Recent Belize News, 9/1/2015 to 9/10/2015, BelizeNews.com

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Government of Belize Contributes to Relief Efforts in Dominica
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize presents its compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Commonwealth of Dominica and has the honour to refer to the letter dated August 31st, 2015 from the Prime Minister of Dominica, Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit, and Savingram, CDEMA/15/OB/34, dated August 31st, 2015, appealing for emergency relief following the damage caused by Tropical Storm Erika on August 26th, 2015. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belize is pleased to inform that the Government of Belize will make a cash contribution in the sum of US$125,000 to the Government of Dominica for its relief efforts. The contribution will be deposited on September 9th, 2015 into the account provided in the damage assessment report.

Kriol Word of the Day: Kolcha
Belizean Kriol Artist Leela Vernon brings the word to life in her famous song “Ah wah no who seh Kriol no gat no kolcha?” The song title translated in English to mean: “I want to know who says Kriol (Creole) doesn’t have culture?”

Avian Influenza Infected Area in the Cayo District Regains Free Status
The Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA) will today lift quarantine and other control measures implemented in the Cayo District following the detection of low pathogenic avian influenza H5N2 in January 2015. The last case was detected on the 5th of June 2015, and depopulation and decontamination were completed by the 9th of June 2015. In compliance with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) international standard, BAHA can declare the area once again free of avian influenza three months after decontamination. Quarantine control measures and the direct losses borne by the producers in the infected area have cost government and the poultry industry over BZ$6 million.

CZMAI, BTB and BPA launch Manatees Protection Initiatives
After hearing about the collisions between boats and the manatees, a meeting was held with the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Belize Port Authority (BPA), to figure out a quick response to the collisions, and to eventually work on a plan with stakeholders to completely eradicate these incidents. From this meeting, came the first initiative, which is to install buoys in the Belize River, in the vicinity of Haulover Creek. The BTB donated six (6) buoys, and Mr. Chamberlain of Belize Marine & Sand donated two (2) for a total of eight (8) buoys to be installed by Belize Marine & Sand. The CZMAI and BPA will simultaneously install additional Warning and No Wake signs to bring added attention to all users of that portion of the river.

AM Construction Company Limited to head Ambergris Stadium Renovations
On Monday, September 7th, Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) announced that AM Construction Company Limited will be undertaking the construction of Ambergris Stadium, now renamed the San Pedro Football Field. The construction contract was awarded to the Orange Walk based firm for $2,623,911.95BZ. The renovation of the stadium has been in the pipeline for over a year, and will now finally move forward to the construction phase The vision of BIL is for the project to include a regulation grass pitch, bleachers to seat 800, locker facilities, concession stands, bathroom facilities and a storage unit. Once completed, the field will be the only proper football pitch on the island and will benefit the development of the sport in the island. The stadium will also be suitable for softball, running and track and field.

Ambergris Today

BTB Hosts Successful #BelizeanEats Twitter Chat
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) hosted another SUCCESSFUL Twitter Live Chat, September 3, 2015 under the hashtag #BelizeanEats! With exotic cultural influences and succulent local dishes, Belize surely enticed foodie-travelers online and garnered over 13 million in impressions. Participants were equally excited to both discover the authentic tastes of Belize as well as getting the chance to win unique foodie inspired prizes! "Today our BelizeanEats Twitter live chat saw a huge user-reach and provided an added boost to the digital marketing drive for Belize! This is another testament to the endless possibilities that the digital market offers. As the leaders in marketing Belize online, we are always seeking new and creative ways to showcase the appeal that is Belize!" - Ms. Karen Pike, Belize Tourism Board's Director of Marketing and Industry Relations.

More Than 102 Sea Turtle Nests Identified on Ambergris Caye
Still in the midst of Turtle Nesting Season, The Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program, Hol Chan Marine Reserve and volunteer residents are in high alert and in search of turtle nests along the coast of the Ambergris Caye in order to protect these delicate sea creatures. The Hol Chan Marine Reserve staff discovered a nest of 93 eggs that were laid on Sapphire Beach Resort late in the month of August. Of that sum, there were about 40 turtle eggs that did not survive. Approximately 53 turtles survived from the nest that was found. The Hol Chan Marine Staff has been working closely with the resort staff to care for future nests found on the property. Following the initial find the staff of Sapphire Beach Resort, 14 more baby loggerhead turtles hatched next to the pool area. Five staff of the Hol Chan Marine Reserve arrived to assist in locating their nest, but unfortunately couldn't find it. Before departing they educated the resort’s staff on how to recognize the turtle’s nest area in the event that they come across it in the near future when cleaning the beach. By the end of August 2015, The Ambergris Caye Marine Turtle Program had recorded eight nests hatching just on the last week alone; three new nests were identified bringing the total to 102 nests on Ambergris Caye for 2015. In previous years 96 nests were recorded in 2013 and 77 nests in 2014.

Misc Belizean Sources

Avian Influenza Infected Area
BAHA will today lift quarantine and other control measures implemented in the Cayo District following the detection of low pathogenic avian influenza H5N2 in January 2015. The last case was detected on the 5 June 2015 and depopulation and decontamination were completed by the 9 June 2015. In compliance with the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) international standard, BAHA can declare the area once again free of avian influenza three months after decontamination. Quarantine control measures and the direct losses borne by the producers in the infected area have cost government and the poultry industry over BZ$6 million. The successful eradication of this avian influenza disease outbreak was possible because of government’s immediate and strong intervention. BAHA worked in close partnership with the Belize Poultry Association and the poultry producers in eliminating this grave threat to the sector. Both OIRSA and Mexico provided technical assistance as well as resources to help control the outbreak. It must be noted that Belize is the only country in the region to have successfully eradicated the avian influenza virus.

Caye Caulker REEF CLEAN UP! PLEASE HELP!
Last Sunday, Richard Ruben of Richard's Adventures organized a trip out to the site of the shipwreck that was recently removed after months on the reef. Although the ship itself is gone there is a ton of junk scattered around the area that needs to go so the reef can begin to recover from this trauma. Although only 2 of us went out for about 2 hours we got a lot of trash cleaned up from the site and we had lots of fun! It's like a treasure hunt. You never know what you might find buried amongst the metal, fiberglass and plastic debris. It was so much fun and there's so much junk out there that we're going to do it again and we'd love some help. We need at least 3 people so we can implement a technique that will save us a lot of exhaustion. More than 3 would make it super easy. If you are a strong swimmer (the wreck was right on the reef so it can be rough) and have a couple of hours to spare on Sunday, September 20, contact Richard about coming out with us. Everyone chips in for gas. Thank you!!

How about those Jaguars last night??!
e may have lost the battle BUT we certainly put up a good fight against the Voyageurs last night. Congratulations on making us proud. Photo Courtesy: Belmopan Bandits

BEL Holiday hours
Belize Electricity Limited extends best wishes for a safe and festive St. George’s Caye Day! Opening hours for all BEL Offices on Wednesday, September 9, 2015 will be: 8:00am through the lunch hour to 2:00pm. All BEL offices reopen for regular business hours on Friday, September 11, 2015.

National Service Day 2015
National Service Day is on the 19th, and there are tons of projects planned around Cayo.

SIPL at Belmopan Campfire
The San Ignacio Public Library staff performed at Belmopan's Camp Fire and storytelling event. They are famous for their storytelling. They also celebrated World Literacy Day at the Cayo Welcome Center.

Paint Party in San Pedro
Paint Party today at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar. 2p.m. let us know if you can make it!

2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games
And the Jaguars were not the only ones who were in the spotlight last night. Four silver medallists who represented Belize in the 2015 Special Olympics World Summer Games were recognized during the half-time for their wins in Los Angeles. We'd like to send a hearty congratulations to Jasmine, Anna, Ilda and Jayna for representing Belize proudly! Congrats ladies!

Ministry of Health Observes World Suicide Prevention Day 2015
Recognizing the importance of suicide prevention, the Belize Mental Health Program of the Ministry of Health joins the international community in the observance of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th. Suicide is preventable, yet in 2014 there were 24 cases of death by suicide from across the country. The Ministry of Health encourages individuals suffering from any mental disorder to seek information and appropriate assistance. Most of these individuals fear degradation, judgment or labeling because of their condition. It contributes to the problem of having fewer people seek the help they need. Several studies conducted to date have shown that people with depression and anxiety disorders are at higher risk of having suicidal thoughts or attempting suicide. Diagnosing and treating depression and anxiety disorders are both necessary to decrease suicide crises and spread awareness of these issues.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Wednesday, August 9, 2015: 60. PICK 3: 9 8 8

Battle of St. George's Caye Parade Route
Happy Battle of St. George's Caye Day! The SISE Town Council has created the map for the parade route tomorrow.

"Introduction to Birding and Bird ID" course for Tourism establishments
Just done with one more "Introduction to Birding and Bird ID" course for Tourism establishments. This time for Bocawina Rainforest Resort & Adventures and Island Expeditions. Too much fun and we combined Birding with Ziplining! Thats a first for me.

Channel 7

Coast Guard Detained For Men Missing At Sea
5 coast guard personnel have been detained in connection with the disappearance of the 3 Belize City fishermen. The 3 men: 20-year-old Donovan Usher, 29-year-old Giovanni Murrillo, and 33-year-old Jerome Bowen left for Turneffe Island on Thursday morning, August 27 th . They went on a 1 day fishing trip but since then no one has seen or heard from these men. When we spoke to Donovan Usher’s mother she told us that she strongly believes that the Coast Guard has something to do with it. Well, it seems the story does have some credence to it because police have detained 5 members of the Coast Guard for questioning. Today we spoke to the family and they told us how they felt when they heard about this break in the case and what it means for the family. Courtney Weatherburne "What was the first thing that came to your mind when you heard that update?" Anna Cardenes, - Mother of Donovan Usher "I feel a relief, a weight come off of me because; like I said we know they have something to do with it. And I hope they get answers and that we get answers." Courtney Weatherburne "In the last interview you told us that you were still hopeful and you felt that you know; they were still alive. Do you still hold to that line?"

Coast Guard Officers For Contraband Extortion
So, while those officers are being investigated for the disappearance of the three seamen, 3 more are in trouble after being arrested and charged with extortion. CTV3 News reports that six days ago, on September 3, Ricardo Rivero, a resident of Consejo Village in Corozal, reported to police that he was bringing 10 cases of contraband beer from Mexico into Belize through the Bay of Chetumal. He was intercepted by a team of Coast Guard officers, and according to Rivero, they demanded money from him, and agreed to look the other way as he transported his contraband. He paid the men and then went on his way, and he reported the incident as soon as he could. Police allegedly conducted a sting operation and caught the 3 Coast Guard officers with an undisclosed amount of cash. They are 25 year-old Leslie Staine from Belize City, 32 Dubian Montero from Bullet Tree Village in Cayo, and 19 year-old Rayliee Usher from Hattieville. CTV3 reports that they were all arraigned before a Justice of the Peace, and they were offered bail of $1,000 each.

Stevedores Go Slow, Port Says Shut It Down
Since the beginning of this week, the stevedores have been showing their discontent with the Port of Belize by staging a go-slow on the loading of the sugar ship. They say the port management is dragging its feet on the negotiation of a new collective bargaining agreement – and so they started dragging their feet on the loading of the sugar ship. That came to a head yesterday when the Port Management decided to suspend operations and payments relating to the loading of the sugar ship. We were at the port right after that:.. James Neal - Stevedore "Beside that why we gone on go slow we need to get our CBA signed. For over 5 months the union tried to send letters to meet with the port concerning the start to negotiate; and port said they got nothing from they, none and that is a lie. The union have proof that they sent letters to they and so we mi done further put a notice to them that we will take more action if they no comply back to the union concerning the start to negotiate. And with that we will start with go slow or if it has to go further we will strike. We decided to start the step by going slow first. When we came in the night last night; from 6 to 7 we go in the night. They don't pay us, they told me they won't pay we and they decide that they will shut down the work until further notice."

Cops Got Break In Kareem Clarke Case From Eyewitness
Last night we told you about the 17 year old who was charged for the murder of Kareem Clarke. It comes two months after the 27 year old journalist was gunned down. Police say they got a break in the case when a witness to the crime agreed to give a sworn statement:… Sr. Supt. Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Div. Southside "And we had a breakthrough about a week and couple days ago in relation to that investigation. And yesterday we got the removal order from the magistrate court. We brought the person from prison because he was in prison and he was formally received and charged for the murder of Kareem Clarke." From what we have been made to understand that it was just done randomly. There was no basic motive behind it and the person who we have arrested and charged is an associate of the PIV gang; which is one the gang that is based in St. Martin's area."

Faith Nazarene Still A No-Go
Classes were closed today for the third day in a row today at the Faith Nazarene Primary School in San Ignacio Town. The teachers have been on sustained protest, and they are adamant with the management and the Ministry of Education that the current principal, Policarpia Pech, must be removed. The teachers and parents allege that she has mismanaged the school, while Pech, who has gotten her attorney involved to fight on her behalf dismisses their accusations as fabrications, mischief and hearsay. The management of the Nazarene Primary Schools has been working hard to keep the school functioning, and they tell us that they have a formal complaint before the Teaching Services Commission for consideration on whether or not Pech should go as principal. Meanwhile the Ministry of Education continues to look on in hopes that the school’s management can resolve the dispute as quickly as possible. Caught in the middle of all of this are the 400-500 students enrolled there who have been forced to stay home while the rest the country continues with classes.

Jaguars Play With Heart, Draw With Canada
Belize’s dreams of reaching Russia for the 2018 world cup have been dashed. But, the Jaguars went out with style and spirit – playing to a one -one draw with Canada on their home turf at the FFB field last night. Belize mounted numerous attacks on Canada’s goal leading to a Deon McCualey goal in the 26th minute – much to the elation of fans at a very full FFB Stadium. But Canada equalized in the 45th minute, and despite many valiant attempts Belize could not score again. So the game ended in a 1 – 1 draw, leaving the series at a 4 to 1 aggregate score in Canada’s favour. Canada now moves unto the semifinal round of World Cup qualifying. But their Coach said Belize was a worthy and dangerous opponent:.. Benito Floro - Head Coach, Canada "Belize is a good team, a really good team. We need to say thanks to the coach because the proposal of Belize is very nice and very good. The first game was in favour of us; it’s true that Belize don't have any chance of goal but we know that in meeting they are going to play very well as they have demonstrated. I think my players were concentrate as good professionals because we all realize that this game was very difficult for us, they delivering a goal."

Belize Free of Avian Influenza
Viewers may remember that in January of this year BAHA detected avian influenza in Belize, and in June the poultry farmers had to over 75,000 chickens to stymie the spread of the virus. That resulted in a poultry shortage, which later caused an egg shortage and forced the prices on both products to go up. The bad news is that it has caused the poultry industry a total loss of over 6 million dollars. The good news is that it was effective in getting the country’s poultry stock fully decontaminated. That’s why today, BAHA announced that it has lifted the quarantine it implemented in the Cayo District. BAHA notes that Belize is the only country in the region to have successfully eradicated an outbreak of the avian influenza virus. Though it is cause for a collective sigh of relief, BAHA notes that everyone still needs to remain vigilant that the virus is not brought back into the country from any location. BAHA also notes that there is also a threat of highly pathogenic avian influenza being introduced into local poultry stocks by migratory wild birds from North America. As such, the movement of live poultry - other than day old chicks - will remain restricted until further notice. If you are a poultry farmer, whether commercial or backyard, BAHA asks that you maintain your biosecurity measures and notify them if there are any signs of high mortality or unusual occurrences in your flock.

No Public Drinking On Tenth
Tomorrow is the tenth, and Saturday is Carnival Day. Between now and then, there will be a lot of public drinking and, on such occasions, it is allowed. But, you can’t drink out of an aluminium can or a glass bottle – it has to be a cup or plastic bottle – and this year police say they will be strictly enforcing that rule. Officer commanding Southside Chester Williams explained:… Sr. Supt. Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Div. Southside "When we read the legislation it says when you drink in public it must either be in one of 3 containers. Either is a plastic cup, a paper cup or a Styrofoam. If you do that is public, you will be within the confines of the law." "Now we are aware that on these days of parade, people will normally gather on the street corner with their icebox containing liquor and they drink. So we are simply telling people, you know what if to do that you could not be wrong but if you do it in a certain way you are wrong and you can be prosecuted for public drinking. So we're simply asking the citizens to comply with us on these days.

Cops Keeping It Safe In Carnival
And while the cop – slash – attorney Chester Williams loves enforcing all the rules on the books – he says the public drinking limitation is about public safety, which is a priority going into Carnival Day. He says police will be blanketing the city streets to make sure safety is assured:.. Sr. Supt. Chester Williams - OC, Eastern Div. Southside "I can say to Belizeans who intend to come out and watch the carnival parade or the 10th or 21st parade; that they can come out and the police will ensure that all persons who come to enjoy the parades are safe. We have our security measures already put in place. We'll be having officers saturating the city and most importantly the route of the parades will be covered in its entirety during the parade. And we are getting supplementary officers from Belmopan, SPU and the Gang Unit; who will be working the parades along with the police officers who would normally be on day off in Belize City on that day in question. We'll be having a very good amount of officers to ensure the safety of all persons who come out to enjoy the parades."

Calling All Kraft
You might want to hold off on the Kraft cheese slices for now because the Kraft Heinz Company has issued a recall on the individually wrapped Kraft Single slices – and it applies to products that are on shelves in Belize. According to a recall notice from the company, this is due to a packaging problem. 2 customers have complained of choking after eating the sliced cheese because when they removed the thin wrap or covering, films of the wrap remained on the cheese slice. It’s a choking hazard and the company is asking consumers not to purchase the Kraft singles and if you have, return it to the store and ask for a refund. For this latest recall, BAHA sent out a press release outlining the exact manufacturing codes to avoid when shopping for Kraft cheese products. You can find a link on our website. .

Hero Hard Talk
Last night, we showed you the discussion that the Belize History Association held in memory of Belizean National Hero Philip Goldson. Though, nominally, his stature in the pantheon of national heroes, is the same as George Price, Goldson’s legacy is not nearly as clear cut as the man dubbed the Father of The Nation. And, ultimately, that’s because history is written about and by the winners, and Goldson’s HIP and NIP, always played second fiddle to Price’s pre-eminent PUP. And the bitterness that goes along with any prolonged political rivalry - particularly from Goldson to Price - ran very deep. It is an article of faith for the NIP that Price sold out to Guatemala – a point that was somewhat vindicated in the 2011 authorized biography of Price when he acknowledged that he received funding from the Guatemalans – but only on the principle that they had a common enemy, the British. And while time’s torch slowly illuminates those darkened corners of history, still, there’s no easy congruence between the flexible Price, and the doctrinaire Goldson. But, those divergent paths had the same starting point: the People’s Committee in 1949. Headquarters? The Price Family home on Pickstock Street. In an extended interview he granted to Nuri Muhammad back in 1991 in Los Angeles, California, Goldson went back to the start, where as a journalist, activist, and a political aspirant, he was a part of history in the making:

Tumblers Still Tumble
The Carnival is coming, and that means all kinds of waist winding mayhem in the streets. But before the glamorama of Carnival, there was a thing called “road march” and when that swept through the city streets – it meant that the tumblers would be there. And they still are; every year, these self schooled, self styled gymnasts of the pavement bring up the rear of the parade. This evening we saw them practicing inside the St John’s Cathedral compound. Leader Ras Jen told us they are ready for the road.

Why Mud Matters
And another person in the deep stages of preparation for Carnival is Marsha Smith. Every year, she cooks the mud which will be smothered on the bodies of revelers before the break of dawn on carnival day when swarms of city residents frolic through the streets –bathed in mud. And while J’ouvert is fun, Smith who has been doing her mud factory for 12 years now says it’s also a lot of work: Smith is catering for ten thousand J’ouvert goers this year.

Destra Ready To Do It Up
Tonight 3 of Soca’s biggest names will be hitting the stage for their BELIZEAN fans at the Hour Bar in Belize City. They are Soca Queen Destra, Ricardo Drue and Kes the Band. The trio told 7news today that their show will bring high energy, fast-paced, and unpredictable on-stage performances. Concert gates open at 9 tonight.

Channel 5

PBL and CWU Agree To Start CBA Negotiations
This morning, stevedores protested outside the Port of Belize compound, again. This time it wasn’t about the quality of water served to gangs offloading sugar barges. It’s about more than [...]

Kareem Clarke’s Murder Was an Act of Random Violence
On Tuesday a minor was taken in shackles to the Belize Family Court, where he was arraigned for the murder of journalist Kareem Clarke on July sixth. The minor is [...]

…Police May Have Murder Weapon
Police believe that they have the right man in custody, and that they have connected all the dots to result in a conviction. In fact, they may even have the [...]

Was Devin Neal Killed Because of an Old Beef?
The search for Devin Neal’s killer remains active as police officers in Roaring Creek are seeking a suspect whom they believe carried out the deadly assault near the Agripino Cawich [...]

3 Men Detained in Xaibe Murder
Three persons remain in police custody tonight in Corozal after the body of an American national was found on his farm in the village of Xiabe in the northern district. [...]

A Look Back at Belize Vs Canada
The Belize Jaguars took on the national Canadian football team on Tuesday night in Belmopan. Football aficionados came out in numbers for the match which would decide whether Belize would [...]

From Commentators to Celebrities
But in Canada, the outcome of the game was overshadowed by Lodrick Sheppard and Clarence Shepherd, the duo known as Mad Bull and Maestro. Even before the game concluded on [...]

Queen of Bacchanal Touches Down in the Jewel
Tonight, there are a number of concerts in the city to bring in the Tenth of September. Top names from the Caribbean began arriving since last week. Among them is [...]

Ricardo Dru Says Carnival Overload Will Be Mad
Aside from the many local artists, including Ernestine Carballo and TR Shine, who will be featured at tonight’s Carnival Overload Concert, Caribbean soca artist, Ricardo Dru, will also be a [...]

Police Lay Down the Law on Public Drinking this September
September time is party time in Belize, and party time means drinking – at home, house parties, clubs, and most certainly in public. Now public drinking is prohibited, and recently [...]

Coast Guard Personnel Questioned in Fishermen Disappearance
The mysterious disappearance of three Belize City fishermen who set out on a fishing expedition three weeks ago has raised more questions than answers. News Five can confirm tonight that [...]

Kraft Cheese Slices Recalled for Possible Choking Hazard
A voluntary recall on individually-wrapped American cheese slices is presently in effect, following a notice by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The request to return the Kraft Heinz Food [...]

Belizeans Flocked to 19th Annual BCCI Expo
The expo, hosted by the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has become a staple in the September Celebrations calendar. This year, the number of visitors was less than last [...]

LOVE FM

Presidential Candidate for Guatemala Says Belize Can Still Be Fought For
After counting the votes of Guatemalan’s first round of presidential elections, it came as a surprise to many that former comedian and television actor Jimmy Morales would top the polls. He received approximately a quarter of the support from those who participated in Sunday’s elections. Morales started late on the campaign trail and his slogan is, […]

Teenager Charged for Kareem Clarke’s Murder
A seventeen year old male has been charged with the murder of journalist, Kareem Clark. Senior Superintendent of Police, Chester Williams says that since the murder police has been on the case investigating. CHESTER WILLIAMS “Yesterday we were able to formally arrest and charge a 17 year old in respect of the murder of Mr.Kareem […]

Belize Declared Free of Avian Influenza Virus
In January, there was a detection of pathogenic avian influenza H5N2 in western Belize. Although it was on a minimal scale, the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) went ahead and implemented some control measures while designating quarantined areas. Today, via a press release from BAHA, we can tell you that those measures are being lifted […]

Extension for Corozal Hospital
A contract was signed this morning for the extension to the Corozal Community Hospital. The addition to the building is expected to offer space for better health services that have been on demand in the northern district. CEO in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Peter Allen, explains the project is part of rolling-out of the […]

Fisheries Department makes bust of illegal conch
The Fisheries Department and the Belize Audubon Society were in a joint operation early this morning which targeted fishermen who were diving for conch. Conch season is close and so those fishermen are in violation of the laws. Hampton Gamboa, Supervisor of the conservation Compliance unit at the Fisheries Department told us about an estimated […]

Punta Gorda police make arrest following rape report
Paul Mahung reporting… “The one male and two females charged are from Indian Creek Village Toledo as explained by Deputy Commander of the Toledo Police formation Clement Cacho. Clement Cacho – Deputy Commander “On Friday of last week police launched an operation in regards to the rape that occurred in Indian Creek Village as a […]

COLA receives support in campaign for construction of base
Citizen Organized for Liberty and Action, the Belize Territorial Volunteers, the Northern Territorial Volunteers, the Vision Inspired by the People and the Belize Unity Alliance have officially joined efforts in their cause. As you may already know, these activist groups have been in the forefront in regards to the transparency and accountable in Government and […]

Ministry of Health and partners focus on child nutrition
Paul Mahung reporting… The educational manuals and equipment are in connection with Japanese Social Development Fund Project implemented by the Ministry of Health. After the national anthem by students of Big Falls RC School the welcome remarks were given by the chairman of the Toledo Health Council. Guest Speaker was Ministry of Health CEO, Dr. […]

Belizean patriot Philip Goldson remembered
This morning at the Bliss Institute for Creative Arts, a forum was held about Phillip Goldson, his life, his achievements and contributions to the Belizean society. Part of the Forum’s round table discussion was Former Prime Minister of Belize, Manuel Esquivel, Maud Williams, Nuri Muhammed, Hector Silva and Gilda Lewis. Esquivel spoke about Goldson’s determination […]

Minister of Education says work to improve continues
The Statistical Institute of Belize has released statistics that shows forty five percent of the workforce has either a primary school education or below. Patrick Faber says that the ministry is working to address the issue now and says that the statistics are not a secret. Patrick Faber – Minister of Education “We continue to […]

Education Minister speaks on Catholic teachers’ complaint
Reports reaching our newsroom are that the Catholic Management in the Stann Creek District has begun doing a tour to inspect the teachers who are not complying with uniform regulations. We are told that if a teacher is found to be a delinquent in that aspect, he or she will be sent home. Minister of […]

Belize Energy Workers Union threatens industrial action
Last week Friday we told you about the letter that the Belize Energy Workers Union sent to Minister of Labor, Godwin Hulse. Essentially, President of the Union, Marvin Mora, thanked Hulse for his participation in the negotiations with Belize Electricity Limited. Also in that letter Mora expressed the Union’s position to take up industrial action […]

NTUCB President says Roy Davis must go
On Friday, Senator Ray Davis took his seat in the National Assembly as the Senator representing the Unions and Civil Society. The only problem was is that he was not supposed to be there. Well, that’s according to the National Trade Union Congress of Belize. As we have reported, the Congress has decided to remove […]

Teenager charged for the murder of journalist Kareem Clarke
A seventeen year old has been charged for the shooting murder of 27 year old journalist Kareem Clarke. It has been more than two months since Clarke was gunned down in the Ghost Town Gang Area on Vernon Street. According to police, the 17 year old who is being accused for the murder is not […]

PlusTV

Police say Kareem Clarke murder was “random”
As we told you yesterday, a 17 year old minor of Belize City has been charged and remanded in relation to the July 6 murder of 27 year old Kareem Clarke, the Amandala journalist fatally shot early in the morning as he was riding home from a stop in the area of Vernon and Lakeview Streets. After two ...

CWU and Port of Belize to meet after strike
Stevedores working for the Port of Belize Limited effectively shut down operations between six last evening and this morning until management agreed to meet with them discussing concerns of a pay dispute. The Port claims in a letter sent to the workers’ representatives, the Christian Workers&...

BAHA watching Shrimps for bacteria
And while the poultry industry in the west is now in the clear, another industry, this one in the south is still being monitored closely by BAHA. In April earlier this year, a vibrio type bacteria that causes a high death rate amongst juvenile shrimp was detected in at least 2 shrimp farms in the So...

Police issue warnings on public drinking
As the first of the major events of the September Celebrations arrives tomorrow, Thursday, the Police Department in Belize City has issued as a notice warning letters to be given out to persons caught drinking in public or loitering. The latter is straightforward: if you stand about in a public plac...

Literacy Rally and Parade held in Belmopan
Today, eight primary schools in the Belmopan area held a Literacy rally and parade as a part of World Literacy Day which was launched yesterday. The rally started at the Independence Park at 9:00am where Kuxlin Ha, Evergreen, El Shaddai, St. Ann’s, Garden City, St. Martins, OLOG, and St. Miche...

Kraft Cheese Slices May Cause Choking!
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority sent out a joint press release with the Ministry of Health and the Belize Bureau of Standards advising the public of a recall on wrapped American Cheese Slices. The Kraft Heinz foods Company is a common good imported from the United States. It is found on eve...

BAHA says Mission Accomplished: Poultry Industry saved
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority, BAHA is lifting the quarantine from the poultry industry in the Cayo District. This is after a low patogenic disease known as H1N1 infected thousands of birds causing farms and the industry millions. Emanuel Pech reports Dr Miguel Depaz: From when we detecte...

The Guardian

About 3 months ago, the United Democratic Party managed to bring out 2,100 real voters of Belize Rural North for a contested convention where incumbent representative Hon. Edmond ‘Clear the Land’ Castro had to go up against his political opponent Dwight Tillett, just so as to keep his seat as Standard Bearer of the party. On Sunday, September 6, the PUP couldn’t even manage to bring out 600 supporters for their event in the constituency, and that’s after they pooled all of their resources countrywide and brought in supporters from other constituencies. They got so desperate and offended at the failure that they resorted to mob-type behavior and stoned at the sitting Area Rep for simply observing their event. The press has been following this Power to the People Tour that the Opposition Party has been having. They visited 4 locations countrywide under the pretense of trying to reach out to the voters who live in these remote locations. That event is a farce; very few people of the community that they are visiting actually come out to hear what they have to say. They waste resources by having each standard bearer who shows up - (and they’re yet to get the entire dirty dozen to show up alongside them ) - bus in supporters from their constituency.

Massive housing project in Port Loyola
Port Loyola Area Representative Hon. Anthony “Boots” Martinez has embarked on the construction of an entire housing community just off Fabers Road in Belize City. It is estimated that 2.6 million dollars will be spent to get this project to completion, which will see 48 families become new homeowners, and about 20-30 existing homes renovated. That’s in addition to 150 construction workers who will be given jobs and an additional 30-40 men who will be employed to clear the area. Those 30-40 men had been working for months before to get the area ready for construction. They had to go painstakingly through back-breaking work to cut down large trees, cut away bush, and mangroves. Then, the next step was to truck in landfill to get the area up leveled grounding that houses could be constructed unto the land. As soon as that was completed, the contractors, who signed an official agreement on Wednesday, September 2, moved in and started to construct concrete homes built sturdy to outlast the elements. While that was being done, Martinez and his advisors foresaw that the neighborhood would need proper utilities, and so, they lobbied Belize Electricity Limited, and Belize Water Services Limited to install the infrastructure so that these homeowners could get the utilities installed immediately as the houses are completed.

National Bank opens for business in Belize City
On Thursday September 3, the National Bank of Belize was officially inaugurated and the offices began serving customers on Monday September 7. During the opening ceremonies, General Manager at the bank, Alvaro Alamina pointed out that the branch in Belize city “will mirror the activities of the Belmopan Branch, but will also offer new services such as night safe facilities, safety deposit boxes - targeting business and corporate customers in Belize City.” He noted that the Belize City branch will serve Belize City and surrounding areas as well as the northern districts and San Pedro and Caye Caulker. And as the bank expands Alamina says “the bank is now offering a number of deposit accounts, in addition to a wide range of lending products including mortgage finance, vehicle finance, business loans, and personal loans. The focus presently is on rolling of other services to include online banking, debit cards and checking accounts within the coming months as well as placing more emphasis on consumer, business and corporate financing.”

He Who Pays the Piper…
“He who pays the piper, calls the tune” is probably one of the most common and honest phrases in the global political arena. This is why campaign financing is such a hot topic in democracies across the world. People want to know who are contributing to the political organizations so they can have a better idea of the agenda they will champion once in power. Those who champion these calls for transparency are usually from grassroots watchdog groups. What happens; however, when it is the watchdog group that is suddenly acting shady? The organization formerly called Coalition to Oust Lord Ashcroft (COLA) is suddenly swimming in Ashcroft-like dough. After years of relying on favors and handouts just to be able hold press conferences, COLA has now unveiled state of the art printed banners and mass produced T-shirts just over the last two weeks. The organization that could barely muster fifty people to vote in its election of officers for the last three Annual General Meetings is suddenly packing V.I.P. rooms at the country’s finest hotel over the last two weeks. Therefore, with no intent to disrespect the organization’s leadership or make light of their ability to organize, members of the media and the public are now asking, “where is the money coming from?” Who is paying the piper?

Lisa Shoman, did Guatemala ever recognize Belize’s borders?
For Lisa Shoman to invoke immunity to read a reply from the Guatemalan Government is next to mind boggling and to an extent ridiculous. She stressed that the reply from Guatemala states that the Government of Guatemala DOES NOT recognize borders… so the question is? Are we to believe that during the Musa-Fonseca government the Guatemalans DID recognize borders when Senator Shoman and Eamon Courtenay were sitting at the table? So then, the Senator’s stress is to lead us to believe that the stance of Guatemala has changed… [as per insinuation of the Senator]? and, now, the following question is. If Guatemala accepted the borders, when she was a Senator, why were ten years not enough to resolve the issue? But, you see, we were NEVER told this by the then players…… we were never informed!

10th of September is here again
As we celebrate the anniversary of the Battle of St George’s Caye, let’s not forget the true reason we celebrate. We must remember that had those brave men and women back in 1798 decided to abandon the settlement, there would be no Belize and no reason to CELEBRATE. Those brave brave 14 men who paddled overnight from Flowers Bank to take part and vote in that all important Public Meeting should be given a special place in all of our hearts. The Baymen called a public meeting for 1 June 1797. At this meeting, because the Flowers Bank 14 had arrived in time to unlock a 51 to 51 tie as to whether to stay and defend the territory against and impending Spanish invasion or to abandon. In the end they voted 65 to 51 to defend the settlement. The people of Belize then referred to as the settlement of British Honduras stayed and defended the settlement and drove back the Spaniards on the 10th September. The rest is history. However we did not celebrate until 100 years later,when at the insistence and agitation of a man named Simon Lamb the colonial government declared the 9th and 10 September a national holiday. It was organized by a Centennial Committee as part of an ethnic and middle-class narrative by Creoles in Belize Town to assert their status as natives and equal partners to the whites in the colony of British Honduras. Since then we have commemorated that victory on the 10th September every year. It is not just that we parade on the 10th, but we have a buildup leading up to the 10th. September is about celebrations.

Old Benque Anniversary Travelling Exhibition opened
The “Old Benque Anniversary Travelling Exhibition’ was formally opened last Thursday night at the Benque Viejo del Carmen’s House of Culture. Doing the cutting of the ribbon to the exhibition was David Ruiz, whose works are prominently displayed at the exhibition. The night’s events were to mark the 25thAnniversary of Old Benque: Erase Una Vez en Benque Viejo, written by David Ruiz as well as the 14th Anniversary of the Benque Viejo House of Culture. Master of ceremonies, Ingris Can, a representative from the National Institute of Culture and History NICH, gave an opportunity for members of the community to provide some oral history. Traditional stories and other oral history passed on via conversations, such as between the elderly and young, have become a dying art in technology driven societies across the Globe. As a result, the Directors of Culture; especially at NICH, have been working very hard to elicit such treasures from members of the community in both oral and written form. The various Houses of Cultures around Belize are now repositories for such traditional arts and the Belize National Library Service and Information System is also doing its part to guard our Belizean stories so that future generations can enjoy them.

Exhibition of the Battle of St. George’s Caye opened in San Ignacio
An exhibition entitled, The Battle of St. George’s Caye, was launched on Friday of last week at the San Ignacio and Santa Elena House of Culture, which is being managed by the National Institute of Culture and History (NICH). Students from Saint Andrews Primary School were present to enjoy a rich display of visual as well as written data on the Battle of St. George’s Caye. Historian Geovanni Pinelo from NICH was present to give a power point presentation on the exhibition. Also present was Rolando Cocom, a researcher from the Institute of Social and Cultural Research ISCR at NICH, who was open to the questioning from students. The Battle of St. George’s Caye travelling exhibition will continue to be held at the San Ignacio based House of Culture until October of this year. According to Lupita Ferguson, the coordinator of the House of Culture in San Ignacio, parents, teachers and students alike are now being invited to visit and learn about an important Battle in Belizean History. It was W.J McKinney, the Acting Colonial Secretary, who first made it known in 1898 that the Governor-in-Council was pleased that Friday and Saturday, the 9th and 10th of September shall be observed and kept as Public Holidays throughout the Colony on the occasion of the celebration of the centenary of the Battle of St. George’s Caye. It was apparently for very good reasons as Frederick Hopkins Hunter, a third generation Belizean would later write in his book, The History of the Sovereignty of Belize, Belize the settlement established by Force of Arms Sovereignty in the year 1798 on the 10th of September.

San Pedro also gets a football field
Under the Belize Infrastructure Limited, major municipalities have been receiving financial support for either the construction or total upgrade of existing sporting facilities. Not to be left behind is San Pedro Town where a new football stadium will be constructed. On September 7th, the Minister of Works along with BIL's director, Christy Mastry signed on to a contract valued at BZ $2,623,911.95 for the construction of the San Pedro Football Field by General Contractor Agusto Blanco of AM Construction Co. Ltd. The new facilities will include lockers, concession area, VIP and media facility, bleachers with seating capacity of over 800 persons, ticketing area as well as parking and plaza for the football pitch.

Teachers refuse to teach at Faith Nazarene in San Ignacio Town
A tense atmosphere filled the quiet halls at the Faith Nazarene Primary School in San Ignacio Town this afternoon; as both principal and teachers squared off over management issues. Teachers at the faith based school congregated outside closed classrooms on Monday before going into a closed session at 2:00 pm. Policarpia Pech was placed on administrative leave sometime in May of this year, but was reinstated as Principal of Faith Nazarene just last week. Leroy Banner, Attorney-at-Law for Pech told the Guardian on Monday evening that his client’s name is being slandered; despite the findings from both the Nazarene Ministry and the Teaching Service Commission that nothing incriminating was found against his client. Banner also reports that the tense situation is causing his client much discomfort and stress. He also reports that Pech would like the teachers to put aside their differences and to come back and teach.

Belize ratifies WTO facilitation agreement
The Government of Belize has ratified the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and submitted the instrument of acceptance of the TFA to the WTO secretariat on 2 September, 2015. Following Trinidad and Tobago, Belize is the second CARICOM country and the 13th WTO member to ratify the TFA. The Trade Facilitation Agreement was concluded at the WTO’s 2013 Bali Ministerial Conference. The Agreement contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods, including goods in transit. It also sets out measures for effective cooperation between customs and other appropriate authorities on trade facilitation and customs compliance issues. It further contains provisions for technical assistance and capacity building in this area. The TFA broke new ground for developing and least-developed countries in the way it will be implemented. For the first time in WTO history, the requirement to implement the Agreement was directly linked to the capacity of the country to do so. In addition, the Agreement states that assistance and support should be provided to help them achieve that capacity.

BDF camp coordinator accused of taking girl to Gulf Hotel
BDF Private and 2015 Camp Coordinator, Kenneth Gary Swazo, 29, is behind bars on remand for allegedly having sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old camper in August of this year. According to reports, Swazo met the girl at the 2015 BDF Summer Camp and kept in touch after the camp was over. According to reliable sources and police report, on August 20, 2015, Swazo took the girl to a hotel located on the Phillip Goldson Highway, formerly known as Gulf Hotel, where he had sexual intercourse with her. The girl’s parents learned of the incident when someone alerted the mother and she confronted the child. The girl admitted that she went to the hotel with Swazo where they had sex. The parents then took the girl to the police station where they reported the matter. The girl was taken to a doctor who confirmed that she had been carnally known and classified her injuries as grievous harm.

Rick Chambers gets three months for “barrowing” cellphone
Rick Chambers, 19, is serving his first week of a three month jail term after he pleaded guilty to robbing Luis Miguel Montenegro of a black and white LG Tribute touch screen cellphone. Allegations being made against Chambers, a construction worker of #9080 Police Street, is that on Thursday, September 3, 2015, he approached Montenegro and snatched away his cellular phone which is valued at $325.00. Montenegro reported the matter to police and Chambers was arrested and charged with robbery.

Belmopan Interoffice Volleyball competition
The Belmopan Volleyball Association Interoffice Volleyball Competition continued on Friday 4 September, 2015, at the newly renovated Hill Top Basketball Court in the City of Belmopan. There were three games on the schedule. In the first game played for the evening, Blazers defeated BTL Digicell in three sets by the score of 25-15, 25-27 and 15-6. In the second game of the evening, SSB Set to Go won over Networks by the score of 25-18, 22-25 and 15-6. And in the final game of the night, Roll it 8percent defeated CITCO Stars by the score of 23-25, 25-23 and 13-15. The competition will continue this coming weekend at the Hill Top Basketball Court.

Belize Bank Bulldogs Softball Team off to Central America Championship
The Belize Bank Bulldogs, National Female Softball Team of Belize, is scheduled to leave the country on Tuesday 8 September, 2015, for Managua, Nicaragua, where it will participate in the Central American Senior Women’s Softball Championship. The Belize Bank Bulldogs will join teams from El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama and the host country Nicaragua. The Team is headed by Nelson Longsworth, Treasurer of the Belize Softball Federation and the Head Coach is Floyd Flowers. The team is expected to return home on 14th September, 2015.

Belize City Council/Leslie’s Imports Cycling Criterium
The annual Belize City Council/Leslie’s Imports Cycling Criterium will be held on Sunday 13th September, 2015, on Albert and Regent Streets in Belize City. The event will commence at 10:00 am with the Youth Development Programme Races. And then will be followed by the female race which is comprised of 15 laps. In the female category, first place will receive $200.00; second place $100.00 and third place will received $50.00. In the female category, there will also be lap prizes at the 5th and 10 laps in the race. The junior riders will ride for 20 laps and their prizes will be as follows: 1st place $200.00, 2nd place $100.00 and third place $50.00. In the junior category, the lap prizes will be at laps 5, 10 and 15.

CYDP Peace Cup Tournament rolls on at the MCC Grounds
The Conscious Youth Development Programme Peace Cup Tournament for 2015 continued at the MCC Grounds on Saturday 5 September with four games on the schedule. In the first game played Uprising Striker edge out Lake I Rising Stars by the score of 3-2. The goals for Uprising Strikers were scored by Francisco Brecenio (2) and Jermaine Foster and the goals for Lake I Rising Stars were scored by Hubert Baptist (2). In game two, Exodus United from Democracia won over Jerusalem by the score of 3-1. The goals for Exodus United were scored by Ronalfo Alvarez (2) and Paul Smith. Meanwhile, the only goal of the game for Jerusalem was scored by Alrick Alvarez.

An overflow of patriotism in September
As we approach the beginning of September, we prepare for celebrations that strike patriotism in every Belizean man, woman and child. First we celebrate the historical encounter we refer to today as “the Battle of St. George’s Caye”, the carnival road march, and the most dominant event of its genre, Independence Day. This is the time of the year when Belize dresses itself with the patriotic colors red, white and blue, to proudly recognize the historic accomplishments that have molded Belize into what it is today. Belizeans engage in activities each year to show appreciation for the diligent efforts of those who came and fought for our territory, even in a time when the existence of Belize was questionable. Despite the trials that our country faces, such as the never ending Guatemalan claim to Belize, Belizeans whole heartedly express patriotism for their territory. Perhaps, celebrating the entire month of September is one of the best parts of the year for Belizeans; however, it is so special because it entails a holiday celebrating the anniversary of the signing of documents that declared Independence. Although it is our national holiday and has huge historical significance, it should be one of celebration. It wasn’t only breaking away from our mother country, but establishing our very own set of values that strived to make us unique amongst other countries. Independence Day celebrates those very ideals of democracy and liberty, and is for anyone who believes in their country. Similar to the celebration of Independence Day, the Battle of St. George’s Caye Day is also a holiday to remember and honor those first Belizeans, formerly called Baymen, who made sacrifices to create Belize and then defend it over the years.

Light The Night For Kids
The 2nd Annual Light the Night for Kids was held on Friday, September 4th in Belize City. Hundreds of Belizeans, including families, students and corporate groups came together in support of The Inspiration Center and Belize’s children with disabilities. Equipped with glow in the dark t-shirts and accessories, the participants walked and danced through the main streets of Belize City and ended at the Memorial Park, where the festivities finished with a fireworks display. While this event aims to raise funds for The Inspiration Center, it also promotes healthy and active lifestyles while providing a family friendly atmosphere for a fun night out. The organizers of Light the Night for Kids wish to thank all sponsors who contributed either financially or logistically as well as those companies and schools that brought out groups to participate. Global Ambassador for Special Olympics and Chair of The Inspiration Center, Mrs. Kim Simplis Barrow, expressed that “the outpouring of support showcased the public’s awareness of children living with varying disabilities and underscores their civic duty to celebrate them”.

Major Disaster in Sandhill for the PUP
Sunday 6th September, 2015 will be a day the PUP won’t soon forget. It was dubbed as Major’s coming-out event in Belize Rural North. The Major had reported for duty and had been on the ground doing that duty for about four months, visiting the voters in their homes, so one would have thought he was in and was no longer a stranger to the area. As predicted in my article “Inside the Numbers” way back in June after the UDP’s historical convention, the good people of the BRN still saw him as what he is - A STRANGER . So they stayed away from the PUP event on Sunday. This is no way an insult to RURAL PEOPLE or am I saying something you as readers don’t know. In an almost ‘clanish’ way they have kept strangers out of their lives more times than they had allowed them in. You see they have been burned a few times by strangers they had let into their lives. So they at not taking any chances. To be let into the lives of these humble communities one has to be first introduced by persons of trust in the area, and then that stranger must get rid of that title of a STRANGER by earning the trust of the people there-in.

Micah attacks Francis Fonseca again!
Not being a writer by profession and the fact that the Guardian was to hit the streets two days earlier on a Tuesday instead of it’s regular Thursday publication day, I thought I would have a problem to write something for this edition. I now have to say not so. Neither did I have shortage of stories nor did I suffer writer’s block. As a person who monitors the political landscape , I am having my fill of things to write about . The various players inside the PUP are always creating some sort of Headline Story, mostly at the expense of the Leader of their party This week’s drama is being created and directed by one Micah Goodin. Now this is not the first time Micah has stepped into the limelight. As you readers, Facebookers and television viewers may recall, towards the end of July 2015, Micah took to Facebook around the time when the G-12 had started their uprising in the PUP. He at that time had his crosshairs on the PUP Leadership, but he did it by using Yasmin Shoman as his target. Yasmin you see, was the candidate for whom he had been DUMPED by the Leadership of the party.

PM Barrow hints at election date
On Thursday of last week Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow, hinted that the next general elections will be called no later than the first part of next year. He added that the time frame he is looking at is close to the 4 year mark of the last election, that would put the date no later than February or March of 2016. During his discussion, the Prime Minister noted that if elected for a third term he may be inclined to look at the possibility of changing the election cycle to a 4 year term rather than a 5 year term as had been advocated previously by the opposition.

Rat bites baby at Western Regional hospital
The Belmopan City Council is taking serious and swift action to address a problem of rats that residents of Belmopan have been complaining about over the past couple of weeks. According to Mayor of Belmopan, Khalid Belisle, the council will meet to address the problem following disturbing reports in which a newborn was bitten by a rat at the Western Regional Hospital. Reports are that a rat managed to get into that hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and it ended up finding its way into the incubator, and bit a premature baby hours after it was born. The child was born on Thursday night, September 3, and it was placed in one of the medical institution’s incubators. Now, anyone who knows little about the Neonatal ICU, knows that it houses a hospital’s most vulnerable and fragile patients. These tiny human beings have been born before the completion of their gestation period, and as such, their vital life-saving systems - such as the immune system - hasn’t been fully formed yet to protect the infant from deadly diseases.

Carl Lino to stand trial for attempted murder
A Preliminary Inquiry (P.I.) into whether there is sufficient evidence to charge Carl Lino, 22, for the attempted murder of George Street Associate, Andrew Tate, has concluded with a committal for trial at the Supreme Court. Tate was shot in the back of the head while riding a bicycle on North Front Street on Wednesday afternoon, November 12, 2014. He was ambushed by a lone gunman who reportedly fired three shots in his direction. The gunman then attempted to flee the scene by running into Pinks Alley but was pursued by an officer on foot patrol. The officer fired shots at Lino, one of which caught him in the left upper leg. A chrome 38 pistol was recovered and Lino was arrested for attempted murder.

Failed attempt to smuggle rum into beer fest blows up
Kirk Perez, 44, allegedly tried to smuggle a bottle of rum into the Belikin Fest at BTL Park on Friday, September 4, and when he was stopped by a woman police constable he threatened to go get a gun and return to shoot her. According to WPC Tanisha Salazar, she was assigned to the Belikin Fest at BTL Park on Newtown Barracks on Friday night, September 4, when a man approached the entrance on bicycle at about 9:10 p.m. She stopped him to conduct a search for items that you are not allowed to take into the public gathering. Salazar claims that during the search of the man who gave his name as Kirk Perez, she found a bottle with green liquid substance inside his pants front. She took the bottle away from Perez and that was when he hit her in the chest area with his elbow and jumped on his bicycle. As he was riding away, Perez said, “This da just deh begin because I gwen home to get my gun and blast you just for holding dah bottle of rum.” Perez managed to escape from the area before Salazar could call for support but he was later picked up by police and taken into custody. Salazar later identified him at station as the man who assaulted her.

7 Salvadorans caught heading to Belize City
Seven illegal Salvadoran immigrants are set to be deported after they were caught on board a Guerrero’s bus heading to Belize City on Thursday, September, 3. According to reports, the group of three women and four men was intercepted at a checkpoint in Hattieville Village. Police boarded the bus and requested that the individuals produce their visitor’s permit or other forms of identification to show their status in the country. Those who could not produce documents were removed from the bus and taken into custody at the Hattieville Police Station. The seven Salvadorans were then transported to the Belize Immigration Department in Belize City where they were identified and an investigation revealed that they had entered the country illegally.

Killed by a teenager inside a tattoo shop
An unknown gunman has shot and killed 25 year-old Glenford Vernon, a resident of Cran Street, in a broad daylight. It’s a broad daylight murder that has elements of gang-violence, but there is no real evidence to point to that at this time. That’s because Vernon - as far as the press is aware - is not a part of that type of life. What police are able to say at this time is that it happened at around 1:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 3. Vernon was inside a tattoo shop, and he was getting a tattoo when a young man - someone believed to be under 16 years of age - walked in and fired one shot at Vernon and about 5 or 6 more shortly after. He then walked out of the tattoo shop and immediately fled and escaped. Vernon survived the attack, even though he had reportedly been shot in the chest, both hands, one of his legs and in his abdomen area. Compassionate bystanders rushed him in time to the KHMH, but he died shortly after while receiving emergency medical treatment.

Team Belize still hopeful after Friday’s defeat
Team Belize is preparing for a return match on Tuesday September 8 at the Football Federation of Belize’s Stadium in Belmopan. As it makes its final preparations, the Jaguars are coming straight off a 3-0 deficit which they picked up at theBMO Stadium in Canada. Team Belize Traveled to Toronto Canada on Tuesday September 1 for the Friday September 4 first of two matches between the two countries. It was a history making event as Belize is facing a formidable opponent in a first for Belize in round three of the World Cup Qualifiers. With expectations at its maximum the Jaguars valiantly defended the goal posts both by the defenders and goal keeper Woodrow West. But the penetrating ability of Canada would soon pay its dividends as the better part of the first half was played on Belize’s side of the pitch. It was on the 25th minute of play that Tosaint Ricketts scored his first goal and yet another by Ricketts in the 65th minute of play. The third goal was scored by Atiba Hutchinson shortly thereafter.

Amandala

Amandala reporter Kareem Clarke’s alleged killer remanded
This afternoon Belize City police escorted a 17-year-old minor to the Belize Family Court, where he was arraigned on a charge of murder in connection with the shooting death of Amandala reporter Kareem Clarke. No plea was taken from the minor, who was remanded to the Wagner’s Youth Facility, located on the compound of the Belize Central Prison. The minor, who police say is known to them, is scheduled to return to court on October 28. On the morning of July 6, Kareem Jabbor Clarke, 27, was cold-bloodedly gunned down as he rode his bicycle on Vernon Street. The killer, who apparently “lay-waited” Clarke, pumped several shots into his body as he rode his bicycle at the corner of Vernon and Lakeview Streets. Clarke was returning to his New Road home after visiting a friend in the Mayflower Street area.

Rat bites newborn in neonatal ward
As Amandala readers will recall, less than six months ago it was reported that Western Regional Hospital was dealing with a rat infestation problem. These rodents had gained access to the hospital’s food pantry, where groceries for the patients and the staff were stored. Despite efforts made to address the problem, five months later, the problem has not gone away. In fact, the affliction has climaxed with the biting of a newborn baby girl (born prematurely on Thursday night, September 3) by a rat which was able to enter her incubator in the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Administrators at the hospital have speculated that the rat entered the room via an opening in the wall in the room through which the vent for an AC unit had been installed. One of the nurses from the Western Regional Hospital staff, one Nurse Guerra, told the newspaper that the incident occurred in the neonatal unit at 1:39 a.m. on Friday, September 4. “The nurse just turned her back to do something and she heard the baby scream. She immediately responded by removing the baby from the incubator,” she said.

“We do not recognize Belize’s borders!”
Following an incident on the Sarstoon River on August 16, in which the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) on an expedition to Sarstoon Island were subject to intimidating tactics by elements of the Guatemalan navy in Belizean waters, Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow held a press conference at which he told the nation that, “An extremely strong protest note has therefore been prepared by our Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and was approved just now by the NSC [National Security Council] for immediate dispatch to the Guatemalan Foreign Ministry, with a copy to the OAS.” On August 16, the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV), led by its founder Wil Maheia, and Orlando De La Fuente, leader of the Northern Territorial Volunteers, led an expedition to Sarstoon Island, where they were accosted by elements of the Guatemalan Navy inside Belize territorial waters in the presence of Organization of American States (OAS) observers, who themselves also were subject to acts of aggression by the Guatemalans until they were able to identify themselves. Prime Minister Barrow, however, never told the Belizean people that Guatemala responded on August 24 to the protest note Belize had sent.

BTV to take fight for Belize’s sovereignty to Diaspora Belizeans
The Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) issued a press release today demanding that Prime Minister Dean Barrow immediately release the contents of the Guatemalan government’s response to the diplomatic protest note sent by the government on August 19. BTV founder Wil Maheia told Amandala tonight that it is very important that the government come clean with the Belizean people. “For too long they have been playing off this Sarstoon River situation,” Maheia said. Maheia said he is also calling on Belizeans in the diaspora to come out and protest the Belize delegation when it goes to the United Nations for this year’s General Assembly address in September. “We are calling on Belizeans in the diaspora to meet the Belize delegation at the UN and voice their concerns about the way the Government of Belize has apparently ceded territory to Guatemala by its inaction,” Maheia said.

Union workers unhappy with Port of Belize Ltd.
Members of the Christian Workers Union (CWU) who work as stevedores at the Port of Belize Limited in Port Loyola, are expressing their discontent, because they have not been paid by the Port, they said. Audrey Matura-Shepherd, president of the CWU, told us tonight that the men have not yet been paid for the day. Usually, they are paid at about 2:00 in the afternoon after completing a shift at about 6:00 in the morning, but today, they were told that they would not be paid. Shepherd said that this action did not come as a surprise, because the Port had indicated that the sugar company, American Sugar Refinery (ASR), on whose sugar barges the stevedores had been working, had expressed dissatisfaction with the work done by the stevedores, who they claimed seemed to be on a “go-slow”. The Port thus indicated to the union that it was suspending all operations.

GPS tracks stolen 2014 Toyota Hilux to Melchor
Slick thieves with an apparently unrelenting preference for expensive, late model Toyota Hilux pickups, carried out the most recent in a string of thefts of government vehicles by stealing a late model Toyota Hilux from the Ministry of Health in the Garden City – the seventh Hilux to be stolen in a span of two years. The improved, high-tech security apparatus at the parking lot where the vehicle had been parked aided in the tracking of the stolen vehicle to a yard in Melchor de Mencos. Melchor police were alerted and have secured the vehicle, which will be returned to Belize shortly. Kim Bautista, Director of Vector Control, for whose program the vehicle was obtained, told Amandala that the vehicle has not yet been returned, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is monitoring the situation, and as soon as the relevant paper works are completed, the vehicle will be returned.

Jaguars play their hearts out: draw 1-1 with Canada
The unthinkable almost seemed possible twenty-five minutes into the ball game tonight at the FFB Stadium, when Belize’s premier striker Deon McCaulay received a lovely pass inside the eighteen from Harrison “Cafu” Roches and unleashed a right foot blast that glanced off the right goal post and into the net past Canada’s keeper for the 1-nil Belize lead at the 25th minute. Overcoming the 3-nil game 1 loss to Canada seemed quite within reach; but the euphoria inside an almost packed stadium was abruptly quelled a couple minutes before intermission, when Canada’s William Johnson (44’) equalized on a grounder through a crowded eighteen that partly blocked the vision of Belize goalie Shane Moody-Orio. With the score tied at 1-1, even 3 more Belize goals would not be enough for us to advance, as with a 4-4 score, Canada’s away goal would then be the difference. Nevertheless, the Jaguars were rejuvenated to start second half, and, with much closer “man to man” marking, began breaking up the scrimmage passing of the Canadians repeatedly, resulting in exciting attacks at goal; but after each build-up led to “oooh’s” and “aaah’s” from the cheering local fans, there was disappointment each time as it fizzled to an end with an errant pass or an interception by the Canadians. But there were still a few close calls that kept the crowd hopeful for a victory.

Cricket Corner: Easy Does It!
With the kind sponsorships of SMART and BELIKIN, the Harrison Parks Cricket Competition, under the auspices of the Belize National Cricket Association, came to a beautiful ending on Saturday in Bermudian Landing, when Easy Does It from the ever so beautiful village of Lemonal captured the 1st place by defeating Wicked 11 from Flowers Bank handily, with a score of 126 to 122 with two spare wickets, in front of a massive crowd. The game should have started at 10:30 a.m., but because of a slight rain that came down, it was delayed a few hours. Well, the umpires, Dirk Sutherland and Emmanuel McFadzean, who did a splendid job, said time for game to start. Wicked 11 took to bat first. Both teams will now play to their best. There should be no room for errors. First two batsmen went in to meet Herbert Banner and Kenroy Reynolds. The first wicket fell for 17. And it went on this way: 2 for 24; 3 for 28; 4 for 29; 5 for 99; 6 for 104; 7 for 116; 8 for 117; 9 for 117; all for 122. Herbert Banner was the man that did the damage by taking 4 wickets for 17 runs scored against him. Winston “Bass Hag” Flowers scored 55 runs for his team, Wicked 11.

“Jump ropes” for Belize District primary schools
Primary schools in the Belize District that participated in the “Jump Rope for Health” training conducted by Ms. Shauna Thomas of Caribbean Sports & Development Agency (CSDA) out of Trinidad & Tobago will be receiving their jump rope packages to introduce this programme to their schools leading up to the National Jump Rope Competition to be announced at a later date. The Hon. Herman Longsworth, Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, Youth & Sports with direct responsibility for Youth & Sports, will be distributing the jump ropes on Thursday, September 17, at 10:00 a.m. at the Rogers Stadium Basketball Court in Belize City.

Belmopan Interoffice Volleyball Tournament update
Belmopan Interoffice Mix Volleyball Competition commenced two weeks ago in Belmopan. Games are played every Tuesday & Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. at the Hilltop Court in Belmopan. Here are the scores for the games that were played on Tuesday & Thursday night of last week, September 1 and 3. In games played on Tuesday, InviCourt Strikers defeated 3 Flow Eagles, 25-21, 25-13; DFC/Dream Works/Ministry of National Security Blazers defeated CITCO Stars, 25-23, 29-27; and SSB SET to Go, won over BTL Digicell-4G/BUCA, 25-22, 25-15.

Editorial: Deep throat
Elsewhere in this issue of the newspaper we publish a letter from one who calls himself “Glenda Parham.” The letter is an attack on the editorial credibility of the newspaper. But, we publish the letter in toto and without any editing whatsoever. The writer has written before, and our conclusion is that this is someone who has been or may still be highly placed in the ruling United Democratic Party (UDP) and who is very well informed, perhaps actually had access to classified information. The loyalists of the UDP have reason to believe that the present administration’s popular support has been damaged by recent Amandala editorials, hence the need for such attacks as Glenda Parham’s. Again, we publish this letter because there are points we wish to make to our readers. The most important point is that the business of the Belizean army (Belize Defence Force) is national security business. As such, a lot of BDF business is confidential and classified. Military business is mostly secret business. This is as it has to be, because armies are, by definition, in the business of war, which is to say, the business of life and death.

From the Publisher
As I write this Sunday afternoon, September 6, 2015, Guatemalans are going to the polls to elect a new government. Extraordinary events have taken place in that Central American republic over the last ten days. Under the pressure of several months of mass demonstrations in the capital city, the Guatemalan Congress had voted on Tuesday to strip President Otto Pérez Molina of immunity from criminal prosecution. With his Vice President, Roxana Baldetti, already in jail for several weeks, Pérez Molina resigned on Wednesday this week, whereupon he was imprisoned. Pérez Molina was supposed to stay in office until the new government was sworn in next year January. His new Vice-President, Alejandro Maldonado, was sworn in as President on Thursday afternoon. As the noose tightened around Pérez Molina’s neck last weekend, I had telephoned Clinton Canul Luna in the Finca Solana section of Corozal Town to get his read. At that point, Pérez Molina was still in power and he was holding on to presidential immunity. Canul Luna suggested that Pérez Molina might try to run for asylum to Mexico. He said that it appeared to him that powerful people in Washington must have turned against him for some reason or the other. If that was not the case, if Washington had remained supportive of Pérez Molina, Canul Luna surmised, then the leaders of the street protests which had begun in April would have already been “disappeared.” That is to say, such leaders and organizers would have been kidnapped, tortured and murdered.

“The Jewel is a gangster …”: Urban concurs.
Dear Editor, At the end of May 2015, I wrote a letter to your newspaper captioned: “In case you have not noticed.” Therein, I pointed out some crucial issues related to the de-risking of Belize Bank. Since then another of Belize’s banks, Atlantic International Bank Limited, lost its correspondent bank account with Bank of America. Once again I’d like to elaborate on the concept of de-risking. In the aftermath of Atlantic International Bank having been denied access to the US financial system, spin doctors from the Ministry of Finance, the Financial Intelligence Unit as well as the Central Bank of Belize began damage control, using euphemisms about safeguarding US assets and correspondent banks looking into ratings and tainted money. I believe your editorial of 28th August was more informative on possible reasons for Belize’s lack of access to US financial system. Amandala’s editorial on August 28th 2015, The Jewel Gangster, informed us that, “Belize is a country where people live, overall, well above their means. The reason for that is that Belize is a country where there is a lot of trafficking of illegal commodities, such as narcotics and human beings and travel documents. The Jewel is a gangster.”

The mesmerizing tale of how Belize got its name
With numerous discussions circulating about the Battle of St. George’s Caye and our first settlers, as a Belizean, have you ever wondered how the country got its name “Belize”? Many Belizeans are aware that the country was formerly known as British Honduras, then in 1973 its name was officially changed to Belize. The name of our country “Belize”, as many tourists have noted, is very exotic and unique and over the years has generated various “origin” stories. The origin of the name is unclear; however, as you will clearly see in the facts stated below, there exist two popularly espoused possibilities of the etymology of the name Belize. The first, one of the more logical origin stories, was probably derived from the earliest records of the settlement found in a journal dated back to 1677 belonging to a Dominican priest named Fray Jose Delgado, as noted in Alan Twigg’s book, Understanding Belize: A Historical Guide. Since the Mayans were the first settlers of the country, it is believed that the name was provided by the priest’s translator and originated from the Mayan word “Balix,” which means “muddy waters,” referring to the Belize River, or from another derivation of the Mayan word “Belikin,” meaning “land facing the sea,” referring to the coast — both of which were names of popular settlements of the ancient Mayas.

19th Annual Expo Belize draws out 17,000
This past weekend, the September festivities, continued as Belizeans made their way to the ITVET compound where the Belize Chamber of Commerce held its 19th annual Expo Belize Marketplace, which was first held in 1996 as a consumer trade show. It is estimated that a little less than 17,000 people attended the event, which was held on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with an entrance fee of $3.00 being charged for children and $5.00 for adults. The opening ceremony for the show was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, and featured US Ambassador Carlos R. Moreno as the guest speaker. Moreno, in his speech, addressed trading between the USA and Belize and touched briefly on the banking situation in Belize. Some businesses which participated in the expo included Karl H. Menzies Ltd., Bowen & Bowen Ltd., Belize Telemedia Limited, Grace Kennedy Belize, Westrac, Cellular World, Unicomer, Smart, Go Graphic, Go Wireless, Tropic Air, Dolphin Productions and Quality Poultry. According to a press release from the Belize Chamber of Commerce, new participants included the Merida Chamber of Commerce, the Auto Pavilion, Optical Services, Ready Call Center and “Micro Businesses promoting Handicraft, Agro-Products and Environmental Literature”.

Search suspended for 3 men lost at sea
he National Coast Guard and the Belize City Police Department have reportedly suspended a search-and-rescue operation around Turneffe Island and the surrounding area in the Belize District, to find three Belize City men who have been reported missing at sea since Saturday, August 29. The missing men are Giovanni Murrillo, 29; Jerome Bowen, 32; and Donovan Usher, 20, all of Belize City. Last Thursday, August 27, the men had travelled from Belize City to Turneffe Island to recover a boat and were to have returned to the city that same day, but have since disappeared. The Coast Guard was alerted when a missing person report was made by the families of the men on Saturday, August 29, and they began the search effort the following day, Sunday. Ten days after the men disappeared at sea, the men have not yet been found, despite the efforts of the Coast Guard to find them.

The Reporter

BAHA lifts alert for Avian Influenza in Cayo districtn
The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) lifted the alert for Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in the Cayo district on Wednesday. According to World Health Organization standards BAHA can declare the area once again free of avian influenza three months after decontamination. BAHA said in a […]

Was Remo’s murder a random shooting?
Two months after the outrageous murder of journalist Kareem Clarke, a 17-year-old was charged for the crime; the motive, however, may be as appalling as the crime itself. According to Officer Commanding Eastern Division South, Sr. Superintendent Chester Williams, the police suspect that Clarke was […]

BEWU awaiting word from BEL before strike
The Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU) has threatened to strike if there is no breakthrough in negotiations with Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). The union is waiting to hear the outcome of a meeting between the company and the Labor Minister, who publicly asked for […]

High processed food sales =high obesity rates says PAHO/WHO
Countries in Latin America which have the highest sales of ultra-processed foods also have the highest obesity rates, says a new study released from the Pan American Health Organization/ World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). The report, entitled “Ultra-processed food and drink products in Latin America: […]

Expo’s success brings new problems for BCCI
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s (BCCI) 19th annual Expo Belize Market and Trade Show this past weekend was the biggest it has ever been. The Expo enjoys more business participation and a wider variety than it has ever seen. If it continues […]

Entertainer leads in Guatemala’s polls
Guatemala’s comic actor, 46 year old Jimmy Morales, has won a surprise victory in the first round of Guatemala’s presidential election, but did not secure enough votes to avoid an October runoff. Of the 14 presidential candidates, Morales won 24 percent of Sunday’s vote. […]

“G-11” a no-show at PUP rural rally! Clear the Land Castro gets run out.
The dialogue between the “G-11” and the People’s United Party hard-liners looked promising up to last week, but not one of the Group of 11 attended Sunday’s rally in Sand Hill Village. The rally, had around 800 PUP supporters who turned out to be […]

Ministry of Health tackles malnutrition in Toledo
The Ministry of Health this week, launched three publications geared at empowering residents in the Toledo District with knowledge and skills to address the malnutrition problem rampant in southern Belize. The publications are the “School Health Day Manual 2015,” “Growing Good, Growing Healthy” a documentary […]

Business community supports BEL settlement and GOB education loan
The private sector has offered its support for the government’s recent Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) settlement with Fortis as well as several loan motions to improve the quality of education and highway infrastructure in the country. Private sector Senator Mark Lizarraga said that the […]

Senator Shoman makes Guatemalan response to Belize public
Opposition Senator Lisa Shoman, revealed at Friday’s Senate Sitting, that Guatemala has issued a not so cordial response to the Government of Belize’s protest note regarding the August 16th incident at the Sarstoon Island and says GOB must come clean to the public. Shoman […]

Editorial
Thirty-four years ago there were great expectations as Belize prepared to welcome her independence from Great Britain. Thirty-four years later, not all of those expectations have been met, but we would be a dense and morose people indeed if we did not pause to give thanks to God for His […]

Young patient rapes elderly patient!
It didn’t make the daily police situation reports disseminated to the media, but there is a disturbing report coming out of Belmopan’s residential psychiatric care facility, the Palm Center. It says that one of its young male patients raped an elderly female patient last week. To protect the identities of […]

New report spots deficiencies and lapses in education sector
An appraisal report prepared by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) on Belize’s education sector has identified numerous critical deficiencies and lapses in the country’s education department, despite having invested more than US $130 million in the sector over the last 10 years. The report, […]

COLA and BTV join forces Tells PM to build base and fire Sedi!
Following a meeting Tuesday morning, the Belize Territorial Partners officially joined hands with the grassroots activist organization COLA (Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action), to issue a statement demanding the construction of a Forward Operating Base at the mouth of the Sarstoon. In that statement issued early Tuesday morning, the […]

Breaking Belize News

John McAfee to announce run for U.S. president
Add computer guru John McAfee to the list of people running for the presidency of the United States in 2016. According to the Times of South Africa, McAfee told Wired magazine that he believed that the current government doesn’t understand technology – pointing to the hacks of the U.S. Office of Personnel […]

Police say Kareem Clarke murder was “random”
A 17 year old minor of Belize City has been charged and remanded in relation to the July 6 murder of 27 year old Kareem Clarke, the Amandala journalist fatally shot early in the morning as he was riding home from a stop in the area of Vernon and Lakeview Streets. After […]

Police issue warnings on public drinking and loitering
As the first of the major events of the September Celebrations arrives tomorrow, Thursday, the Police Department in Belize City has issued as a notice warning letters to be given out to persons caught drinking in public or loitering. The latter is straightforward: if you stand about in a […]

Kraft Cheese recalled, consumers advised to be vigilant
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced a recall of specific individually-wrapped American Cheese slices produced by the Kraft Heinz Foods Company of the U.S. A statement from the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA), the Ministry of Health and the Belize Bureau of Standards advises the general public that […]

September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day
Apart from the local observance, September 10 is an important day internationally as World Suicide Prevention Day, observed by the Ministry of Health and the Belize Mental Health Program under the theme, Preventing Suicide: Reaching Out and Saving Lives. Belize saw 24 deaths by suicide in 2014 countrywide. The Ministry says suicide is […]

Agriculture Ministry ends $6 million avian flu outbreak in Cayo
The Ministries of Health and Agriculture; Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA); and the Belize Poultry Association have announced that the outbreak of low pathogenic avian influenza H5N2 in the Cayo District earlier this year has ended. BAHA is to lift quarantine and other control measures implemented following detection earlier this […]

Fisheries Department sieze $5,000 worth of illegal conch
The Belize Fisheries Department along with Audubon Society, made a bust of around 465 pounds of illegal conch Tuesday morning, inside an icebox that was hidden in some mangroves. This bust was a result of an operation targeting closed season operators as the conch season is closed until October 1st, raising the value […]

GOB to provide aid to Dominica after tropical storm
The Government of Belize will be providing financial aid to Dominica to assist with relief efforts in that country after tropical storm Erika caused severe flooding and property and infrastructural damages. After Tropical Storm Erika hit Dominica on August 26th, causing massive damage, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of that […]

Mostly fair and warm conditions today with chance of moisture tonight
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny skies with cloudy spells today and cloudy skies at times tonight. Showers and thunderstorms throughout the day will be isolated. A few showers and thunderstorms will affect mainly Southern Districts tonight. Winds will be blowing from the East at 10-20 knots and […]

Blogs

Consider Nature as Capital to Become More Sustainable
Two distinct approaches to economic development in communities have evolved over recent times: industrial recruitment and self-development. The traditional approach to community reinvention or improvement has been industrial recruitment. This form of economic development still has a large following among local and state economic developers, despite studies that show that governments seldom gain back their investments in terms of public revenue generated. In this process usually a large economic venture such as a “big box” store or large industrial complex is recruited into a region with the hopes that other economic development and jobs will follow. But self-development, including supporting local entrepreneurship, is a community economic development (CED) strategy of increasing interest to a variety of technical assistance providers and rural communities. This tactic embraces participatory approaches that focus on civic engagement to first identify and then mobilize multiple resources (forms of capital) for widespread social and economic benefits – an asset-based improvement approach with a focus on local capacity building. Assuming that the assessment of community capacity in different sustainability sectors can provide some understanding toward the development of communities, there needs to be a means of evaluating that capacity in each and all the environmental, social, and economic systems and their assets, that form the foundation of a community. The currency of such a methodology can be derived from the amalgam of community capital.

Low Airfares are Finally Here: Now What Do We Have to Do to Keep Them?
I moved to Belize 8 years ago and air fares (at least to the East Coast of the US) have remained about the same. Priced between $650 and $800 USD, I would POUNCE if prices dropped into the $500s and was always surprised to see fares around Christmas time top $2000. But those days are OVER! FINALLY what we have all been begging for FOR YEARS is here. Low Cost Carriers are coming to Belize – most importantly, we have Southwest Airlines (America’s LARGEST carrier) flying from Houston’s Hobby on a daily flight starting October 15th. Woo HOOO! But those days are OVER! FINALLY what we have all been begging for FOR YEARS is here. Low Cost Carriers are coming to Belize – most importantly, we have Southwest Airlines (America’s LARGEST carrier) flying from Houston’s Hobby on a daily flight starting October 15th. Woo HOOO! SO…fares are now low. Cheap Flights just put out another listing of low cost flights to/from Belize City…as low as $335 and this is BEFORE Southwest and Copa even start flying here. The #SoutwestEffect is in FULL effect.

Where to Celebrate Your Thanksgiving in Belize
When Thanksgiving arrives in the U.S., everyone gives thanks for pilgrims arriving safely at Massachusetts’ Plymouth Rock centuries ago. Typically, lavish meals replicate the first one shared by settlers and Native Americans. Over time, Thanksgiving traditions have circled the globe, so if you visit Belize at the end of November, you’ll enjoy fellowship and delicious Thanksgiving meals at these 10 popular destinations.

Top 3 Must Have Items in Your Carry-On
If you need to get around Belize quickly, we suggest flying! Have you thought about what you’ll pack in your carry-on? We have compiled a quick list of Carry-on travel tips: Depending on your desired destination, your flight time can range from a few minutes to a few hours. Don’t get caught feeling bored as you wait for your flight, or even as you fly to your location; pack a few items to keep you entertained. Don’t forget: Paperback book Ebook and charger (you are allowed to use during flight) Phone or MP3 player (you are allowed to use during flight) Medication Regardless of where you travel, minor aches, pains or complications are always possibilities. Be sure to pack some over-the-counter pills, and of course, your prescribed pills in your carry-on, so they are readily available. Easy choices for a carry-on can include: Pain relievers Hand sanitizers **Hint: Always keep prescription medication in your carry on**

BIN0MIUM – a review
No one in the last 2 decades has pushed as hard at the construction of art “appreciation” enveloping us in the post-colonial/neo-colonialism era than Yasser Musa. Last week I got dressed up and attended the launch of his latest effort BINOMIUM, a collaboration with the premier “street” artist of our time, Michael Gordon. As Yasser points out, he and Michael are different in so many ways but fused together by art and a life shared in the old city, and welded in their artistic endeavors. More than a river runs through the old city, and seeing it through two different realities is not just a novel education. Valentino Shal, who shares the similarities with me of being born and growing up in rural Belize and then having our mind scrapped and scooped by liberal academics, wrote this review of the presentation. In the complex dna that is Belize, the life we live conducted by the star dust of the universal eons, the people involved in this entire thing are all similar but different.

Belize’s September Celebrations Keep Getting Bigger and Better
Other Central American countries may offer visitors a sultry month of non-descript activities as they wait for year-end holidays that trigger fiestas and celebrations, but in Belize, we like to start our partying much earlier—in September—because we’ve got a lot to commemorate. As the 34th anniversary of our independence nears on September 21st, we get the party rolling early—on the 10th. If you crave several weeks of fun, grab a party hat, anything in your closet that’s red, blue and white and clear your calendar.

Belize: many cultures, one people!
Belize is a nation of many cultures mixed together to form a unique body of people in our region. Despite the disparate origins of the Creole, Mestizo, Maya, Garinagu, East Indians, Chinese, Mennonites and many others, we have come together – in some cases literally so – to live harmoniously despite our differing traditions and beliefs. We have lived together despite maintaining and preserving our individual identities and ethnic differences. We present a summary of these traditions and beliefs which together have made Belize what it is, a Caribbean nation in Central America. The Creoles, The Mestizos, The Maya, The Garinagu, East Indians, Arabs, Chinese and Mennonites.

International Sources

The Future of Belize Telecommunications Market to 2025 - Analysis and Outlook of Belize Mobile, Fixed Line and Broadband Sectors
Belize Telecom report provides complete analysis and outlook of the country's mobile, fixed landline and broadband service markets. The research report gives you the yearly outlook of the emergence of demand for mobiles, fixed landline, broadband services and ICT goods trade. In addition, changing patterns and key strategies being opted by companies in current shifting industry scenarios are detailed in the research work. The Belize Telecommunication industry is compared with peer markets to analyze the position of the country in the regional and global front. For detailed analysis of the market, key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of operating in the country are provided. Latest industry trends and drivers facing Belize's telecom markets are included to enable better understanding and evaluation of operating or expanding in the market. Demographic and macro economic factors driving the telecom market in Belize are also analyzed and forecasted to 2025 in the research work. Further, industry competition structure and profiles of the leading five companies in Belize's telecom sector are analyzed in detail in the report. All latest developments and their impact on players in the industry are also provided.

How the U.S. is working with Central American nations to fight the MS-13 and 18th Street gangs
In El Salvador, gangs are attacking police and soldiers with brazen new tactics. Since January, 43 members of the police force have been assassinated. In the U.S., transnational gangs have become increasingly evident in drug trafficking, extortion and, in some parts of the country, pimping and prostitution, the FBI says. It is against that backdrop that about 70 law enforcement officials and prosecutors from seven countries gathered Wednesday at the Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration downtown to swap notes and intelligence in an effort to better combat these increasingly violent and sophisticated groups, especially the notorious Mara Salvatrucha or M-13 and 18th Street gangs. The exchange includes investigators and prosecutors from El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Belize and from around the U.S., including the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and the Los Angeles Police Department.

5 Real Life Make-it-Rain Human Rituals
A water temple complex was recently discovered alongside some sacred pools in Belize. Supposedly the ancient Maya people made offerings there to Chaak, the rain god, to end drought. National Geographic explains, “Nestled in a quiet forest in Belize, a deep aquamarine pool holds ruins from a time when the ancient Maya turned to a ‘drought cult’ and hurried sacrifices to a water god to stave off the fall of their civilization.” “Drought cult” sounds pretty intense, but the sacred sacrifices were nothing too dramatic; ceramic jars, pots and stone tools were discovered in the depths of the pools. What’s perhaps more interesting than what was sacrificed is where they were sacrificed. Ancient Maya believed that the rain god Chaak resided in cenotes, or natural wells—which were considered to be portals to the underworld. Whatever they are, they’re beautiful.

Women in Latin America and Caribbean face wide-ranging barriers to economic opportunity, says WBG report
Women in the Latin America and Caribbean region face wide-ranging barriers to their economic advancement. There has been progress recently, however, in introducing comprehensive laws to protect women from many forms of domestic violence, says the World Bank Group’s Women, Business and the Law 2016 report, released today. The report, finds that the region is making considerable strides towards gender equality, however, in the areas monitored by the biennial report. In the past two years, Jamaica repealed a restriction on night work for women which had been in place since 1942; Mexico made payments for childcare tax-deductible; and Uruguay increased the length of maternity and paternity leave. Uruguay also raised the minimum age of marriage with consent, for both boys and girls. In addition, 16 economies in the region prohibit women from doing the same jobs as men, says the report, which monitors 173 economies throughout the world, including 33 economies in the Latin America and Caribbean region. Belize does not allow women to work at night in factories or handle goods at a dock, and Honduras and Colombia restrict women from working in jobs deemed hazardous.

Videos

Belize 2015, 10min.

ENTREGA DE CARTAS CREDENCIALES DE 3 EMBAJADORES EL SALVADOR, BELIZE Y POLONIA, 7.5min.

Tell Guatemala - Lord Laro, 4min. Belizean Patriotic Music

Super Palm resort Belize, 3min.

Our location truly provides the best of both worlds during your getaway/ vacationing. We offer full touring to all historic archeological sites like Xunantunich, Cahal Pech, ATM,Caracol, and more. Plus you can unwind with the best features of rural Belize on our expansive grounds. Best of all, Super Palm Resort is home to world class accommodations; Regardless of whether you are an adventurer or just seeking indulgent accommodation after your long hike, then Super Palm Resort is the perfect vacation hotel outskirt of Belmopan---Cayo. Simply outstanding, exotic water fall Swimming pool plus hand crafting beautiful Jacuzzi; are amongst a great list of Amenities.

Belize | Appleseed Expeditions, 3min.

BEAUTIFUL BELIZE, 8min.

kitesurfing belize, 2min.

Mangrove Tunnel in Belize, 1min. These tunnels in the mangroves were cut out by the Mayans hundreds of years ago. They were used as trade routes. Now they are used by fishermen.

Belize Annual Fire Engine Parade 2015, 3.5min. Fire Engine and Bicycle Parade.

Cruising San Pedro Belize, 5min. In the trusty golf cart.

2015 Belize EPI Trip, 6min. Here's a mash up of videos that I captured while on the EPI or Ecology Project International trip to Belize. This video contains many different snorkeling adventures, river-rope swings, and a jaguar encounter.

Caribnation: Dr David Hinds interviews former Belize PM, Said Musa, 28min.

Garifuna Music & Talk With DJ Labuga Presents Battle Of The Drums' Darius Avila, 2hrs. Mr. Darius Avila President – Battle of the Drums Secretariat

Backpacking Guatemala, Belize & Mexico 2015, 11min. Our travels through Central America.... Guatemala City - Antigua - San Pedro La Laguna - Panajachel - Lanquin - Semuc Champey - Flores - El Remate - Tikal Belize: Belize City - Caye Caulker Mexiko: Chetumal - Tulum - Isla Mujeres - Cancun - Mexiko City

September 9, 2015

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Doris Soriano is the first ever Queen of Bacchanal
The carnival vibe was felt in full force in San Pedro Town on Saturday, September 5th, with the first ever Queen of Bacchanal Pageant. Organized by Foreva Fancy Boutique, the pageant was all about carnival and was held as part of the September celebrations; embracing the Belizean culture. In a show of color, music and beauty, five lovely contestants competed for the crown, but in the end, it was Doris Soriano who charmed the judges and was crowned the Queen of Bacchanal 2015/2016. As early as 7PM, eager spectators made their way to the Honorable Louis Sylvester Sporting Arena to get a good seat for the pageant. The pageant kicked off shortly after 9PM under the theme “One People-Breaking down all barriers, promoting unity” inspired by Soca artist Destra. Hosting the pageant were Julianie Feguson and Gerry Badillo, while Enrique De Leon, Darleen Vernon, Suzanna Melo, Barbara Brown, Rosio Santo and Jorge Cerillo had the arduous take of judging.

Pirates of Belize exhibition opened at San Pedro House of Culture
At the official opening, Guillermo “Mito” Paz, Director of the SPHC, welcomed everyone in attendance and invited them to tour the exhibit. “Today’s exhibition is very educational, since it deals with the foundation of our country which is very much thanks to the pirates and the Baymen. The Baymen were this group of English men that came and settled in Belize between the 1600 and 1700’s. These were the individuals that fought against the Spaniards, who at that time ruled most of the Western Hemisphere. The Spaniards colonized what is now Mexico, Central and South America, except for Belize,” said Paz. He then recited a story about how Belize got its name from the Buccaneer Peter Wallace and how the pirates used to attack the Spanish ships that were loaded with gold heading back to Spain. “With this exhibition we pay tribute to the Baymen who decided to stay and defend the settlement of what is now Belize, when the Spaniards were coming to take over the settlement. We also pay tribute to the free slaves that joined the Baymen from Flowers Bank in that historic battle for our freedom,” stated Paz. Before the crowd was invited to see the exhibit, Paz mentioned that there are treasures buried on the island among shipwrecks of Spanish galleons, in areas such as Rocky Point, Palmeros, and Mata area. He indicated that some of the ancient boat anchors that can be seen in some of the island’s resorts and restaurants are evidence of the presence of Baymen and Spaniards that travelled our coasts.

Stunning Vistas from my perch at Cahal Pech Resort
This visit had been a long time coming, and even the thick heat that enveloped me as I got off the bus in San Ignacio didn’t faze me. I was back on familiar ground, and ready to enjoy being in the hills. Clearly, all this time on the sandbar known as Ambergris Caye had made me forget exactly what kind of hills Cayo has! I nabbed a cab and my first foray UP to Cahal Pech Resort began. I was a bit early, but since my room was ready, I got the grand tour on the way to my cabin:the Lamanai casita. On the way down the cobblestoned path, I couldn’t help but marvel at the town that lay before me. As far as the eye could see, houses, then large tracts of land and mountains in the distance. Villages and creeks and rivers lay beyond, and boy did I have a prime viewing spot!

Ambergris Today

International Literacy Day
Students of Ambergris Caye Elementary School (ACES) observed International Literacy Day (today September 8) by dressing up as their favorite Story Book Characters and/or preparing displays of Story Book Cover Art. During morning assembly, Mr. Angel Nuñez was invited to read a Dr. Seuss story as the school teachers acted out in character. The entire day was dedicated to reading activities and the promotion of Literacy Day.

25 Years Ago - Remembering When WE USED TO… in San Pedro Village No. 3
There are so many things that USED TO be different in the village of San Pedro back in the 1950’s and 60’s and when we remember them we even become nostalgic. Oh how do we wish we could go back in time to re-live those wonderful experiences! This is how I recall the following. CONCH EVERYWHERE I did mention that we become nostalgic when we remember these. To enjoy a good conch dish today costs a fortune. And not only that, we do not enjoy conch as often as we could or should. I think you will agree that the most popular thing with conch today is the famous ceviche. SATURDAY BAKING DAY - I want to start by stating that I am talking about those days when there was no bakery in San Pedro. However every woman in San Pedro was expected to know how to bake. So if there was no bakery, what did the people eat for breakfast or for the evening tea? Well there were the delicious flour tortillas which every girl learned to knead and bake by the time she was fourteen. Then there were the Johnny or journey cakes. Another kind of flour product for the table was the fried jacks. These have always been a family favorite. More on flour and what moms did very frequently were the crispy waffles.

Hundreds Participate in Light The Night For Kids with Disabilities
The 2nd Annual Light the Night for Kids was held on Friday, September 4, 2015, in Belize City. Hundreds of Belizeans, including families, students and corporate groups came together in support of The Inspiration Center and Belize’s children with disabilities. Equipped with glow in the dark t-shirts and accessories, the participants walked and danced through the main streets of Belize City and ended at the Memorial Park, where the festivities finished with a fireworks display. While this event aims to raise funds for The Inspiration Center, it also promotes healthy and active lifestyles while providing a family friendly atmosphere for a fun night out.

First Look at New $2.6Mil San Pedro Football Field Concept Released
After years of being left in deplorable conditions, with lack of funding to rehabilitate the Ambergris Stadium, The Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL) announced on Monday, September 07, 2015, that it is undertaking the Construction phase of the San Pedro Football Field and on September 7, 2015. Once complete the field will boast state of the art facilities, including bleachers to seat 800, locker facilities, concessions stands and bathrooms. Contract has been awarded to winning bidder AM Construction Co Ltd, an Orange Walk based firm for BZ $2,623,911.95. Signing on behalf of the AM Construction Co Ltd, is General Contractor Mr. Agusto Blanco. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the new complex at the Ambergris Stadium site located in the Alta Mar Area will take place on September 18, 2015.

Misc Belizean Sources

Resolutions on the Controversial Issues About the Construction of 5-Storey Buildings in Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye, Belize is well known for its virgin lands and beaches that have existed through time unaltered and untouched by man. This is something that has captivated the hearts of the tourists and travelers to buy an Ambergris Caye real estate residential property and stay behind to live a tranquil, calm and peaceful life. It has been decades when developers in Ambergris Caye have been finally allowed to build taller buildings reaching up to 5 storeys; this is most probably due to the increasing cost of real estate properties in the place. It has been quite a journey with all the twists and turns before the Belize Government finally approved of this through Belize’s Ministry of Housing and Urban Development. Basically, they have allowed building to be built as tall as 5 storeys to be able to maximize the use of the land, but provided that it provides great landscaping. But, there is one issue that needs to be settled; most developers make use of the entire land not leaving any space for any landscaping project. This problem may be attributed to the constantly increasing cost of the properties in Ambergris Caye. But, the downfall to this is that the place is promoting its natural habitat and greenery, how would they encourage tourists if eventually the place would look like any other beach resorts with high-rise buildings on the beachfront? Remember that the virgin beaches and all the natural resources present in the island is what attracts travelers and tourists the most and when this is lost because of the massive construction of buildings in the place, there would potentially be a decrease in visitors coming to the place.

Ten Day Weather Outlook for Belize
The Models are supporting a brief reprieved from the unseasonal dry conditions ravaging the region and Belize. A number of tropical waves are heading our way, while an upper level disturbance in the SE Gulf of Mexico is pulling some moisture into our region today and tomorrow. However, the influence of ENSO will continue to put the lid on any organized and intense rain-producing system on the Caribbean coast of northern Central America, at least for the next ten days. The intense ENSO event is forecast to persist through the rest of 2015 and early 2016.

CORRIDOR JAGUAR & PUMA CUBS!
Wildlife corridors allow animals to move through inhospitable landscapes to areas where they can safely make a home, find their food and raise young. Here in Belize we were delighted to find evidence of jaguars and pumas raising their young in the Central and Southern Belize Corridors, suggesting that these narrow connections may still support relatively good quality habitat and sufficient prey. Panthera and its research partners at the University of Belize’s Environmental Research Institute, Ya’axche Conservation Trust and the Toledo Institute for Development & Environment are working together to monitor the ecological integrity of these important corridors.

Biodegradable take-out containers
These are the folks who sell the biodegradable take-out containers. They are located in Belmopan. They also carry a variety of other eco-friendly products.

Japanese Social Development Fund (JSDF) Grant
On Monday our team travelled to beautiful Punta Gorda where we got a first-hand look at the great work the Ministry of Health has accomplished through a grant of over BZ$5M from the Japanese Social Development Fund (JSDF) through the World Bank. The grant supports the provision of greater access to quality health services for Belizean children in the poorest parts of the country. The project is focused in the Toledo District and its primary objectives are to improve the health and nutrition of children in the local communities in Toledo through an early childhood development approach focusing on prenatal care, nutrition monitoring and school health interventions at the primary school level. At an opening ceremony, aboveground tilapia ponds were also opened at Julian Cho Highschool. The first 500 fingerlings were introduced into one of the ponds. Little Flower R.C. School also received equipment to support its feeding program.

Caoba's 1st Anniversary
Happy anniversary, Caoba! One of Cayo's newest restaurants, and it's already famous for its food and grand events. They are celebrating their 1st anniversary this Saturday, September 12th. The Gilharry 7 will be playing, and they'll have jello shots and specials throughout the night. Here's to another great year!

Experiencing the Luxurious Living in a Paradise Called Ambergris Caye, Belize
Ambergris Caye, one of the most popular and largest islands in Belize has been the talk of the town with its exposure bin HGTV as one of the perfect locations in one of the most acclaimed TV Shows called the Beachfront Bargain Hunt. But, previously the island of Belize was also featured in a well-renowned TV show, the House Hunters International. And because of the previous televisions shows featuring the beauty and exquisiteness of this paradise, Ambergris Caye are also now chosen to be featured in another popular television program, the Home and Garden TV. What is it about Ambergris Caye that captivates the heart of people? This place could absolutely make anyone feel a state of nirvana when they come to visit and stay in the place. This heavenly place remains untouched by humans and it remains unchanged with its virgin white sand beach and a mangrove swamp in its center. This has been the home of the people of the Maya community since the Pre-Columbian times. Aside from San Pedro town in Ambergris Caye, there are also some small villages and resorts in the area. What is most enjoyed by travelers and tourists is the skydiving activities held during the winter season; this has truly captured the attention of the world.

SAGA Cookoff Fundraiser: Central American Cuisine
Belize Independence Day Block Party and Cook Off. Sept. 29th at El Fogon.

Volunteering at Belize Bird Rescue
I did not know about Belize Bird Rescue until a very dear friend and incredible role model for wildlife rehabilitation mentioned it to me early summer. Mind you, some of my most wonderful teachers have had experience in Belize and it would be a first time I would get the opportunity to learn about international wildlife rehabilitation and thus my curiosity was quite peaked. Thus when Nikki agreed to let me join her team for the summer at BBR headquarters, I was quite excited and a little nervous of what I would find. Trust me when I say this, this place is parrot and animal haven to all that visit! I have been in wildlife rehabilitation but it would be a first to experience so many parrots in one place and all for the goal of letting them fly free!

BOLEDO DRAWING for Tuesday, September 8, 2015: 36. FANTASY 5: 10 19 9 21 5 R PICK 3: 8 2 8

Power interruption 8:00am to 12:00 midday, Sunday, September 13, Belize City
Faber’s Rd between Central American Blvd & Whistling Duck Ln, including Madam Liz Ave, Rio Grande Crescent, Jimmy Dyer Ave, Singh St, Lionel Tillett St, Jaguar St, Price St, & Rio Bravo Crescent. Two 15-min power interruptions 8:00 to 8:15 am and 11:45am to 12:00 midday will also affect Ceasar Ridge Rd, Allan Pitts Crescent, Kraal Rd, Jane Usher Blvd, Levi Slusher St, Trinity St, Unity St, Louise Bevans St, Freedom St, Jabiru St, Butterfly St, Carl Thompson St, Heron St and Mud St . BEL to energize new high voltage line in Port Loyola & install structure on Faber’s Road.

Power interruption 5:00am to 6:00am, Sunday, September 13: entire Toledo District
BEL to troubleshoot communication equipment at Punta Gorda Substation.

Belize National Youth Awards 2015
If you know someone who qualifies for a Youth Award, you can now nominate them. "Nominations are now being accepted. Nomination deadline is October 12, 2015. Awarding Ceremny is November 6, 2015 at the Ramada Belize City Princes Hotel Download your form from here.

New Moon Concert
The SISE House of Culture is celebrating the September Celebrations and the new moon with a 'Full Moon' concert this Saturday at the Cayo Welcome Center. Taprick will be performing. It's free, and starts at 7:00pm. "Come join us this Saturday at the Cayo Welcome Center. All are invited to a free concert."

Channel 7

Another Murder In Belmopan; Second Victim Injured
Another man has been murdered in the west near Belmopan. Yesterday evening at around 5:20, 23 year old Devin Neal Flowers was riding on his motorbike on the Valley of Peace road when he was shot to the head. Another woman who was traveling on a separate motorcycle was hit as well. Apparently the shooter jumped out in front of the woman and shot her in the shoulder and then went after Neal. She was able to escape. Today we traveled to Roaring Creek today to find out why Neal was targeted and if Portillo was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. Voice of Woman who heard shots "I was cooking when we heard shootings." Her routine night in the kitchen was shattered by the sound of about 10 gunshots. Shots which were fired at 23 year old Devin Neal Flowers and 30 year old Soila Portillo as they crossed the Agripino Cawich Bridge heading to Valley of Peace. They were both riding on separate motorcycles when a masked man emerged from these bushes and shot at Neal and Portillo. Portillo survived but Neal was shot to the temple and died. Portillo's family refused to speak with us in fear of Soila's life but when we spoke to Neal's family they told us that he had just left them yesterday evening.

American Man Found Chopped to Death In Xaibe
Corozal police are trying to find out who killed an American named John Ross. The 47 year old lived just outside Xaibe village where he raised chickens and sold eggs. He had been living there for 10 years, but, yesterday morning when a group of men went to buy from him they found Ross dead on the farm. He was lying face up in the ground beside a septic tank, with chop wounds to his neck, face and right arm. Ross lived by himself and notably, nothing was stolen - including electronics that were in his home. Police have detained his son who had been living with him up until recently. That's when there was a family dispute which sent his wife back to the states two weeks ago, while his son stayed on and lived with some friends in the area. He remains detained tonight, along with two other men from the village.

WILL BEWU Protest?
On Friday's news, we told you about the very strong letter that the Belize Energy Workers Union sent to Labour Minister Godwin Hulse threatening industrial action. In that letter dated September third, they said, quote, "Union membership is of the general opinion that the BEWU will have to take industrial action leading up to a general strike in order for our demands to be met by an inflexible, inconsiderate and disrespectful employer." That's hard talk and today we asked the Union's General secretary Marvin Mora if they are still holding that line:.. Marvin Mora, General Secretary - BEWU "We are at the point where we are awaiting still even though the general membership now is taking raise on the situation, but we are still awaiting and hopeful that BEL would do the right thing and provide us with something that is significant and that is fair in terms of what the proposals are that was placed on the table." Jules Vasquez "What has been your communication from the Minister of Labor? Have you all backed off that very hardline you took in that letter?"

NTUCB Prez Discusses Embattled Senator Davis
And while Mora waits for a response from the Minister of Labour and Management - he's also waiting for Senator Ray Davis to step down. But, Davis remains the appointed senator for Labour and Civil Society. Labour has voted to have him removed, but the Civil Society Steering Committee is not so clear. Reports say they have written to the Governor General - who ultimately makes the appointment - to say that they have no problem with Ray Davis. Mora had a different view:.. Reporter "What happens now? Because the Governor General will refuse to disappoint Ray Davis, because he needs the recommendation from the civil society and the congress." Marvin Mora, President - NTUCB "Well that's an issue between us and the civil society steering committee, will have to figure it out. But remember its two big organizations being held back by one small organization. So eventually we are going to figure out what we are going to do. Civil society in effect is only two organizations because all the rest are defunct and that really is WIN Belize and APAMO. APAMO being the larger organization has already casted their vote. They had already forwarded to us their official position which coincides with that of the congress."

COLA/BTV Team Up; Calls For GOB To Release Guatemala's Diplomatic Note
Last week Friday, PUP Senator Lisa Shoman revealed some of the language of the Guatemalan response to Belize diplomatic note, where the government complained about an incursion into the Sarstoon. The Guatemalans responded in some salty language - which basically re-asserts the official hardline: they don't recognize the Sarstoon or any of Belize's borders, for that matter. And now, an amalgamation of pressure groups, including COLA and the Belize Territorial Volunteers, are calling for the Government to disclose the full details of that response. Today, members of COLA met with the leaders of the Belize Territorial Volunteers in Belize City for several hours, and that meeting resulted in a joint position statement. It is detailed in a press release which says, quote, "The BTV…understands that Guatemala further rejected Belize's assertion that it was a mere unarmed group of civilians who visited the Sarstoon River and Island on August 16th, 2015 and scolded the Belize Government stating they acted irresponsibly in not preventing BTV from encroaching on Guatemalan territory." End Quote.

PM Left The Country On A Medical Trip
Prime Minister Dean Barrow won't be here for the Tenth festivities. That's because he left the country today for the US where he will see a back and spine specialist. If you've taken notice recently, the PM - who is 64 - has been forced to start using a walking cane due to acute back pain. He is scheduled to return on Saturday, September 12th. Deputy PM Gaspar Vega will act in his absence.

Phillip Goldson: The Man & His Achievements
Philip S.W. Goldson… it’s a name that’s on our national airport, and one of the country’s major roadways. But, how much do you truly know about the life and legacy of the man himself? He’s one of those politicians who transcended the narrow confines of politics and made an indelible mark on Belizean history, but he’s not as celebrated as the only other man who has been conferred with national hero status, George Price.

Youth Apprenticeship Starts 8th Cohort
The Youth Apprenticeship Program is designed for at-risk youths who are unemployed, or underemployed and trying to get into the mainstream workforce. The program teaches occupational skills and tries to instill a sense of discipline along with a work ethic. In a society with 16 thousand unemployed, and 15 thousand under employed, for the marginalized the program is a key conduit to the mainstream. Yesterday was intake number 8 of the program at the ITVET - where over 200 youths attended in hopes of finding a better life. The program is coordinated by Dianne Finnegan. Orientation Day is on Monday at the ITVET.

17 Year-old Minor Charged For Allegedly Murdering Kareem Clarke
Today a 17 year old male was charged for the murder of slain journalist Kareem Clarke. Court reporters say the youth showed no remorse as he was being taken to family court to be charged for the capital offence. The alleged killer is a minor and we cannot report his name or show his face, but we know that he just turned 17 in June - and has some criminal history. He was taken to family court heavily in shackles on his feet and handcuffs. Because it is murder, no bail was offered and he was remanded to the Wagner's Facility located the Kolbe Foundation of the Hattieville Prison until October 28th. 27 year old Kareem Clarke was killed two months ago on July 6th. The motive is still not clear.

The Man Called "Chronixx" Is In Belize; Wants To Perform For You
Over the last two years the reggae artist Chronixx has emerged as one of the truly international superstars of Jamaican music. And fittingly so because he is at the head of a roots reggae revival movement that has revitalized the reggae music scene. And tonight, Chronixx who has played to huge crowds all over the world is in Belize. He will perform at the River Tavern on September ninth - and when he arrived today, he gave us an interview while peeping out the door of a tour van. Not quite the grand entrance you'd expect from the man who sang, "here comes trouble", but it was good enough for us:.. Chronixx arrived with his touring band, called Zincfence Redemption. He's got an extra night in town, so he will be catching the world cup qualifier in Belmopan at the FFB stadium tonight. Tomorrow, his promoter has some sightseeing lined up for him.

Promoting Reading As A Past-Time
For most of this summer vacation, Restore Belize has been working with the primary schools, the Ministry of Education, the National Library Services, and Handy Tools Limited to conduct a summer reading program. They were trying to promote a love of literature, and reading in these young students to ensure that their educational careers won't be stunted. After 6 weeks of constant reading, 60 students participated, and the reader with the most hours logged was chosen. He and the other winners were awarded today in a ceremony held at the BTL Park. The organizers told us that this is part of the push in education to promote reading among students: Hon. Patrick Faber - Minister of Education "As Mr. Newport who is the head of our Quads Unit puts it this morning. If we can get more people in this country or every adult person in this country to read to children every day, it would have been a mission accomplish. But today is just another day in the work of our ministry, especially the Quads Unit and the Literacy Unit to promote reading to children every single day. It is a very important goal and we cannot do enough to try to continue to promote this effort."

Fisheries Busted Major Out-Of-Season Conch
A joint operation was conducted early this morning between the Belize Fisheries Department and the Audubon Society -targeting closed season operations. During this morning's operation, officers came upon an icebox that was tucked away in some mangroves. Inside the icebox was about four hundred and sixty five pounds of undersized conch valuing close to five thousand dollars. We found out more fromHampton Gamboa - Conservation Compliance Unit Supervisor. Hampton Gamboa - Conservation Compliance Unit Supervisor "We have a joint operation that was conducted early this morning between Belize Fisheries Department and The Belize Audubon Society targeting close season operation. The area which we were targeting is the Northern 2 Caye. That's where the new proposed development is supposed to happen. We have some fishers that we've been monitoring who are going out in the closed season harvesting of conch during the closed season. Basically this operation was geared towards seeing if they are still harvesting or what's the situation." "Fortunately for us, we came up on an ice box. 3 of our officers departed here this morning, went in the said vicinity and at about 12 this afternoon when they were able to get cell phone contact with us they told us what they have found sometime after 10 this morning."

Health Gains In Toledo Courtesy The Japanese Social Dev. Fund
In 2011, The Ministry of Health received a grant of over 5 Million Belize dollars from the Japanese Social Development Fund to provide greater access to quality health services for Belizean children of the poorest parts of the country. That means Toledo where the primary focus has been to improve the health and nutrition of children in the local communities. Programs were built around prenatal care, nutrition monitoring and school health interventions at the primary school level. The Ministry of Health took a tour of some of the areas that have been impacted yesterday to provide a snapshot of what has been accomplished. Here's a snippet form the Julian Cho Technical High School:

Channel 5

Roaring Creek Man Gunned Down, Companion in Critical Condition
There are two murders to report tonight…one in the north and one in the west. On Monday evening, Roaring Creek resident, Devin Neal, was ambushed as he travelled on his [...]

American Murdered in Xaibe
Up north, the body of a US national was found at his farm in Xaibe, Corozal on Monday by three men who went there to purchase sheep. It had multiple [...]

Minor Charged in Kareem Clarke’s Murder
Tonight, after almost exactly two months, there is finally news to report in the shooting death of Kremandala journalist, Kareem Clarke. Clarke was gunned down in the early morning of [...]

COLA & BTV Unite to Demand an F.O.B. at the Sarstoon
The Sarstoon sovereignty issue remains on the front-burner in Belize, and seems likely to be situated there for the foreseeable future. Even as Guatemala moves through a turbulent time amid [...]

COLA Says G.O.B.’s Actions Suggest Border is Porous
And that campaign to get a base built at the mouth of the Sarstoon is even more critical now, says Brackett, because government’s actions have given the impression that our [...]

President Brackett Tells G.O.B. – Don’t Take Us Lightly
Last week, Prime Minister Dean Barrow was a tad bit condescending of COLA’s Build a Base campaign when the media asked him about it. That’s not surprising because anybody in [...]

Faith Nazarene Still Closed as Teachers and Parents Protest
Classes resumed across the country on September first, but since the start of this week, students at Faith Nazarene Primary School in San Ignacio, Cayo have been told not to [...]

Minister Patrick Faber Asks for Patience
Today, Minister of Education, Patrick Faber, counselled patience as the matter is currently under consideration by the Teachers Service Commission. As in all such things, claims Faber, while parents inevitably [...]

Legal Battle Being Waged over US National Murdered in Belize
US national, Timothy McNamara, was killed at Christmas on December 2014 at his farm in Boston Village, Belize District. At first the local police deemed it a suicide based on [...]

World Literacy Day Celebrated in Belize
World Literacy Day is being celebrated in Belize under the theme ‘Read to a Child Today. Read to a Child Every Day.’ This morning schools from Belize City, as well [...]

CTV3

Prime Minister To Accompany Wife For Medical Check up
Last week the Prime announced his departure from the country to accompany his wife, Kim Simpliss Barrow for scheduled medical check-ups and today, the ailing Prime Minister left the country for medical checkup of his own. A release from his office indicates that the Prime Minister regrets that this medical visit will deprive him of his participation in the annual 10th ceremonies. The PM is scheduled to return to Belize on Saturday, 12th September and during his absence, Gaspar Vega, Deputy Prime Minister will act as Prime Minister of Belize.

BSCFA To Receive Fair Trade Premiums For Sugar Sold To Fair Trade
The Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association has announced that the premiums on ten thousand tons of sugar sold under Fairtrade will go in its totality to the association. Chair of the Committee of Management, Ezekiel Cansino, said that they got the news last week during the visit of Liaison Officer Andrew Wright and Julia Clark, a representative of Tate and Lyle. “La BSCFA va hacer el quien va a conseguir en totalidad lo que es el premio de las diez mil toneladas de azúcar de los que se vendió a Fair Trade y por parte de las otras Asociaciones nos informaron por el señor de que no habían sido certificados simplemente les habían dado un permiso para hacer trade entonces en eso quedamos de que BSCFA va a estar consiguiendo el premio de un millón punto dos que es el premio de las diez mil toneladas de azúcar vendida a Fair Trade.”

Cane Farmers Associations Set Dateline For Transfers Of Members
The movement of sugarcane farmers from one association to the other is still ongoing and involves all three associations. In a recent meeting however, all three groups have agreed to a cutoff date. BSCFA Committee of Management Chair Ezekiel Cansino says that date is right around the corner. “El viernes pusimos la fecha que va hacer que estemos aceptando traslados de caneros de Asociación a Asociación y esta decisión fue tomada el viernes pasado por las tres Asociaciones tuvimos una reunión y decidimos de que el viernes once de Septiembre va hacer el date line para hacer estos traslados.”

Fuel Prices Goes Down
Motorists will feel a small relief in their pockets for the cost of fuel since the prices are scheduled to take a dip after midnight. Regular gasoline will dip 91 cents from $9.03 to $8.12 and diesel will drop by 31 cents, from $6.99 to 6.68. And while the new prices come in effect at midnight, prices for Kerosene and Premium will remain the same. Experts in the US say that fuel prices dip because the Oil is below $40US a barrel for the first time since the Great Recession.

Farmers Implementing Irrigation System To Mitigate Climate Change
Yesterday we told you how global warming has been affecting farmers in the Indian Creek area in the Orange Walk District in the form of a severe drought that has caused hundreds of acres of corn and soy beans to perish. But farmers are not giving up just yet as they are trying to alleviate the problem by installing a fully functional supplementary irrigation system. John Dyck is one of the farmers who decided to install the irrigation system after losing all his crop in 2012. “In 2012 we had a dry year just like we had this year and I lost everything that I had planted and then I say there is only one way to go further this way to put up the irrigation, this is a new system that you see behind me that was put up by the end of December we did some bean with that and so I had good results with that already and as you can see the corn where it gets irrigated we having better results but the cost of irrigation due to no rain that we are getting is getting very high in that one, the cost of the system is about three hundred thousand dollars.”

BTV Demands Disclosure Of Note Sent To Guatemala
Viewers may recall that on August 19th, 2015 the Prime Minister held a Press Conference to inform the nation that a protest note was sent to the Guatemalan Government as it relates to the Belize Territorial Volunteers visit to Sarstoon Island and their encounter with the Guatemalan armed forces on August 16th. As you might already know, it was determined that on that day the Guatemalan Authorities entered Belizean waters as they tried to stop Belizeans from carrying out their trip to the Sarstoon Island. Since then, several Belizeans have requested that the PM release to the nation, the contents of the said strong protest note. Today, the BTV kept the pressure going as they demanded for disclosure of that note to be released immediately.

PlusTV

Two persons shot off their motorbikes; one dies
During our newscast last night, information was still coming in about a late evening shooting that happened on Agripino Cawich bridge on the Valley of Peace road not too far from the George Price Highway. Our news crew was still on the scene at our news time but today we have the full story. Emanue...

Squatters take case to court
The squatters of Maya Mopan have taken their case to court. A couple weeks ago, PlusTv reported on a squatting issue that was developing in the Maya Mopan area of Belmopan. Some of the squatter’s houses were destroyed by the Belmopan City Council since the squatters refused to move even after they w...

Guatemala result encourages Belizean third parties
The results for Guatemala’s presidential and congressional elections are in. With nearly 99% of votes counted, comic actor Jimmy Morales leads the presidential race by 5 points over closest rival Sandra Torres, who herself has edged out former front runner Manuel Baldizon. In the Congress the ...

BTV joins COLA in Build the Base campaign
Members of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) and Citizens Organised for Liberty through Action (COLA) as well as other social activist organisations met in Belize City today to plan further actions.According to BTV leader Wil Maheia, the Guatemalan presence in Belize’s waters now extends...

Ministry limiting involvement in Faith Nazarene dispute
Teachers and staff at Faith Nazarene Primary School are on strike, demanding the removal of principal Policarpia Pech, who has been accused of and denies mismanagement. Her case has been taken to the Teaching Services Commission (TSC) and in the meantime the General Manager of Nazarene Schools has c...

Belize seeks to avenge loss against Canada
Tonight is round two of Belize Vs Team Canada. The game is being played at FFB stadium in Belmopan at 7 pm. Three nil was the final score of the Belize Canada game on Friday September 4th. Tosaint Ricketts on the Canadian team scored one goal in each half to give the Canadians a comfortable lead. At...

International Literacy Day observed
Today is International Literacy Day and there was a open-air book fair and event at BTL Park in Belize City. Minister of Education Patrick Faber tells us more. Hon. Patrick Faber: Well it is Mr. Newport who is head of our quad unit puts it this morning. If we can get more people in this country, eve...

Caye Caulker Chronicles

History of British Honduras (now Belize) as recorded by the British
His Majesty’s Settlement in the Bay of Honduras, as the territory was formerly styled in official documents, owes its origin, in 1638, to logwood cutters who had formerly been buccaneers. These were afterwards joined by agents of the Chartered Company which exploited the pearl fisheries of the Mosquito coast. There were frequent clashes with neighbouring Spanish settlers. The most formidable of these was made by the Spaniards in April 1754, when an expedition, consisting of I,500 men, was organized inland at the town of Peten. As it neared the coast, it was met by 250 British, and completely routed. The log-wood cutters were not again disturbed for a number of years, and their position had become so well established that, in the treaty of 1763 with Spain, Great Britain, while agreeing, to demolish “all fortifications which English subjects had erected in the Bay of Honduras, insisted on a clause in favor of the cutters of logwood, that they were not to be disturbed or molested, under any pretext whatsover, in their said places of cutting and loading logwood.

Breaking Belize News

Ministry limiting involvement in Faith Nazarene dispute PIC Faber
Teachers and staff at Faith Nazarene Primary School are on strike, demanding the removal of Principal Policarpia Pech, who has been accused of and denies mismanagement. Her case has been taken to the Teaching Services Commission (TSC) and in the meantime the General Manager of Nazarene Schools has […]

International Literacy Day observed
Today is International Literacy Day and there was an open-air book fair and event at BTL Park in Belize City. Minister of Education Patrick Faber related that more Belizeans should take charge of reading to our children to improve their literacy. According to the Minister, his personal experience […]

Guatemala result encourages Belizean third parties
The results for Guatemala’s presidential and congressional elections are in, and to say the least, they are surprising. With nearly 99% of votes counted, comic actor Jimmy Morales leads the presidential race by 5 points over closest rival Sandra Torres, who herself has edged out former front runner […]

Belize out of World Cup after battling draw vs Canada
Belize’s national football team has reached the end of the road, unable to get their desired result at home versus Canada in tonight’s World Cup qualifying match. Deon McCauley’s 21st international goal for Belize in the 26th minute put Belize in control early, but Will Johnson hit in […]

Who took down Belize flag from Sarstoon Island?
This morning PLUS TV’s News Director and host of Rise and Shine, Louis Wade, Jr., made a major allegation concerning the first flag planted at Sarstoon Island some years ago by the Belize Territorial Volunteers. He says that there was an agreement between the two countries that the […]

PM Barrow to miss 10th ceremonies due to medical appointment in USA
The Press Office today reported that Prime Minister Dean Barrow will miss official ceremonies for St. George’s Caye Day in Belize City on Thursday, after leaving the country today, Tuesday, to attend a medical appointment for his ongoing back ailment. In a release the Office of the P.M. […]

San Pedro police seize illegal gun
San Pedro police have arrested a 31-year-old resident of the island for possession of an illegal firearm. Acting on information received, the police took Joseph Pariott to his Marina Drive home, in San Pedro Town, and searched the area. The search was conducted on Monday evening and about 100 feet […]

“Upset” Jaguars determined to reverse Canada loss
After a poor performance in Toronto on Friday, Belize’s Jaguars are determined to reverse the narrative and achieve fourth-round qualification in the FIFA 2018 World Cup qualifiers. They need to upset a 3-0 scoreline at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan. The last training practice took place at Price […]

American national chopped to death in Corozal
Around 11:45 a.m., the lifeless body of 47 year old American, John Ross, was found lying face up on the ground ½ miles West of Xaibe Village, Corozal District on Monday with multiple chop wounds. A group of men went to Ross’ farm to purchase something from him when they […]

Hon. Castro chased from PUP convention
Sunday’s Power to the People Rally and endorsement of Major Lloyd Jones in Belize Rural North was crashed by an unlikely visitor – the area representative, Hon. Edmond “Clear the Land” Castro. It appears the two-term representative and Minister of State wanted to see for himself how the […]

Western Regional trying to clean up rat scandal but mess too big
The Western Region is struggling to pick up the pieces after last week’s news that a new-born child in the neonatal care unit was bitten by a rat in an incubator, however, hospital officials say the child and mother have been discharged and the child is in good health. BMG […]

BTV joins COLA in Build the Base campaign
Members of the Belize Territorial Volunteers (BTV) and Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) as well as other social activist organizations met in Belize City today to plan further actions. According to BTV leader Wil Maheia, the Guatemalan presence in Belize’s waters now extends to the mouth of the […]

Elderly psychiatric patient raped by fellow inmate
Administrator of the Palm view resident psychiatric center in Belmopan, Michelle O’Brien, has told journalists that investments will be made in security after a female patient suffered sexual assault at the hands of a fellow resident last week. Police are investigating, but it appears that the attack came while medication was being […]

Brother and sister file suit against cousin who killed their father in Belize
A brother and sister from Washington state in the Unites States (US) have filed a civil murder suit against their cousin who allegedly killed retired US national Timothy McNamara, last year in Belize. Caleb McNamara and his sister Jennifer Ralston claim their cousin, Tracy Nessl, began a romantic relationship with their recently divorced […]

Tilapia ponds inaugurated at Julian Cho High School
A launching ceremony at the Julian Cho Technical High School (JCTHS) on Monday saw the Ministry of Health, World Bank and Japanese Social Development Fund, officially opening several Tilapia ponds that were donated to the school through a joint effort by the three entities. Also donated to the school were […]

Motorcyclist and passenger shot while riding in Camalote
Gunshots rang out in Camalote Village on Monday evening, several of them hitting Devin Neal and a passenger he had behind his motorcycle, as he was driving in the area of the Valley of Peace Bridge. Neal, a resident of Roaring Creek Village, was transported to the Western Regional Hospital […]

Three charged with gang rape of woman in PG
The shocking gang rape of a 21 year old woman in the Toledo District two weeks ago, is said to have been fueled by an ongoing rivalry between the woman’s family and the Shol family in the village of Indian Creek. The woman reported that around 4:30 p.m. on August […]

Angry parents strike against Faith Nazarene Primary Principal
Teachers and parents of the Faith Nazarene Primary School in San Ignacio went on strike Monday. The parents were not protesting against the government but against the school’s very own principal, Ms. Policarpia Pech, who they claim has been mistreating both students and teachers for the past four years. Classes […]

Police need public help to find 16-year-old
The police is asking for the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Eliesa Natasha Reyes, a resident of San Ignacio Town, who has been missing since Sunday. Karen Reyes reported to police that her daughter Eliesa, a second form student at Calcutta Adventist School, was supposed to stop at her home […]

Blogs

Ever wondered about Belize tap water and how the plant works?
While our tap water at the plant is completely potable, there is no guarantee on the state of the pipes running from Consolidated Water to where ever you are. This was no different than downtown Toronto for me and on very hot summer days you could definitely smell a slight funk from the tap water mostly in the kitchen – as a result in our house, we drank bottled. The Reverse Osmosis Plant owned and operated by Consolidated Water Belize Limited (CWBL) in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye is a relatively simple seawater reverse osmosis process. The plant is located about 2 miles south of town central San Pedro. Seawater is extracted from two shallow wells adjacent to the lagoon. Because the wells are shallow and uncased they are under the direct influence of the lagoon water. Natural and man-made changes in the lagoon water quality have a direct impact on the plant’s operation. The raw seawater is pumped through pre-filters to remove suspended solids 5 microns and larger in size, (a micron is one-millionth of a meter…really, really small). Many/most constituents of seawater, (organic and inorganic), are smaller than this and pass through the pre-filters. The filtered water is then pressurized by two pump systems: diesel driven pumps and high pressure booster pumps, (powered by the waste/brine water flow). The pressurized seawater (about 960 lbs/in.2) is forced through two separate Trains of RO vessels and the “plastic” membranes inside. The membranes have pores about .45 microns in size. These pores are smaller than most of the organic/inorganic constituents of seawater so most salts, minerals etc. are left behind on the brine side of the membranes.

Spices in San Pedro’s Central Park – Ricky’s Spice Shack
I actually noticed the business a few months ago on Facebook – Ricky’s Spice Shack. Super cute logo, name and header… They also have a website with recipe and spice using tips and on-line ordering. Interesting… But it wasn’t until I saw on Facebook that they were going to be in San Pedro, that I took much interest. In fact, I had gone right by Central Park to Lily’s to get lunch and wait for the water taxi up north. And then I saw their post…and I finished lunch and walked right back. Ricky and his crew were just putting things away…to take some time off during the height of the sun and the heat. He said they planned to set up again at about 4pm today and be in the park again tomorrow. Rubs and spice mixtures and marinates….

Closing out Rose’s birthday season searching for manatees and hanging out at the sand bar
It is a good day when you can say you spent some time on a boat searching for a herd of manatees. And we did. On Saturday. En route to the sand bar. Our captain Eddy had seen about 14 manatees around the south end of Ambergris Caye only the day before so we slowed to a halt at the same spot. Everybody put on their best sea squints and searched the horizons. We saw some manashadows and rockatees. No manatees. But I am now able to add “searched for manatees” to the list of things done this past weekend. That’s not bad. Nor is spending the day on the sand bar. The sand bar is becoming a local tradition — organize a boat for the day and run it up on the bar, just north of what is no ironically called Secret Beach. The water is crystal clear, sargassum-free, warm and barely four inches deep for as far as you can see. If you hit the place at low tide there is actually a spit of sand that pops up.

International Sources

Canada beats Belize to advance to fourth round of FIFA qualifying
The Canadian men's soccer team advanced to the fourth round of FIFA World Cup qualifying with a 4-1 aggregate win over Belize on Tuesday. Will Johnson scored a game-tying goal late in the first half to salvage a 1-1 draw in the Belize capital. The sole goal was more than enough offence for Canada, which won the first leg of the qualifier 3-0 at Toronto's BMO Field last Friday. Deon McCauley scored in the 26th minute for Belize. "We kept the ball as much as possible because Belize has a good counter attack and a dangerous player," Canadian coach Benito Floro said of McCaulay. "We knew on this pitch they were going to play well. The match was very difficult." Canada, ranked No. 102 in the world, will become part of Group A in the fourth round, the penultimate stage of qualifying in the region. That pool will feature No. 26 Mexico, No. 81 Honduras and No. 107 El Salvador with only the top two advancing after round-robin play to the final hexagon round. Belize is ranked 128th in the world. Canada dominated possession on the short, bumpy surface at FFB Stadium Tuesday, but McCaulay gave Belize an early lead with a right-footed blast. McCaulay took his pass from winger Daniel Jimenez before blasting it past Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan.

Belize rules former Soap Lake man's death was murder, Interpol issues warrant for Nessl
A forensic report indicates a former Soap Lake man did not shoot himself in Belize. Tim McNamara, a 66-year-old man, was found dead outside his home in Belize on Dec. 25, 2014 after an alleged argument with his niece, 44-year-old Soap Lake resident Traci Nessl, according to a civil lawsuit filed in Grant County Superior Court. The lawsuit, filed by an attorney for Jennifer Ralston and her brother Caleb McNamara, cousins to Nessl, claims Nessl shot the victim in the back of the head as he was leaving the home. Nessl reportedly told police McNamara grabbed the gun, which was registered to Nessl, and accidentally shot himself. She later said the victim committed suicide. A forensic report from the National Forensic Science Service in Belize claims McNamara did not shoot himself. Investigators reportedly did not find any blood spatter on McNamara’s hands, which reportedly indicate his hands were not close to the wound when the shot was fired, according to the report obtained by iFIBER One News.

The evolution of Queen Elizabeth II, as shown by banknotes
Queen Elizabeth II will officially become the longest-serving British monarch Wednesday after serving 63 years, beating a record set by her own great-great-grandmother, Queen Victoria. The 89-year-old Queen Elizabeth has seen an enormous amount of change during her reign. Unlike most people, however, her own evolution has been documented in an unusual way: On banknote portraits. Since first appearing as a young royal on Canadian notes as a child to modern-day portrayals, the queen has appeared on currency all around the world. The two portraits of the queen prior to her accession to the throne were both featured on Canadian banknotes. The first was the queen at 8 years old; the second, taken by famous photographer Yousuf Karsh, was issued in 1951.

Diving 2,000 Feet Underwater
I just landed on Roatán Island in Honduras for a sanity-questioning adventure with maverick Karl Stanley. According to National Geographic in 2002, Stanley once broke into a police station to destroy parking tickets, and teen troubles at a reform school landed him in a New Jersey state mental hospital, which surprisingly had nothing to do with the submarine he started building at age 15. The week he graduated from college, the New Jersey native took C-BUG, his first sub, on its maiden dive. Early issues included leaks, blown gaskets and a cracked window at 600 feet that soaked a passenger with seawater. With his new submarine Idabel, Stanley runs unlicensed and uninsured passenger dives in Honduras, one of the few countries that would allow it. Stanley famously tells people their only insurance is that “I am going with you.” In other words, if you die, I die, too. I booked the submarine-dive option that goes 2,000 feet underwater. My future wife, who joined me on the adventure, said, “We absolutely cannot tell my family what we are about to do.” Through a series of emails, I scheduled the submarine dive for Thanksgiving weekend. Stanley’s Roatán Institute of Deepsea Exploration (RIDE) operates out of Roatán, the largest of the Bay Islands located off the Caribbean coast of Honduras. The Bay Islands are Bonacca Ridge peaks from the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef that one National Geographic writer favorably compared to the Great Barrier Reef. Christopher Columbus, so the story goes, helped name Honduras—an Old Spanish word for “depths”—in part after the Cayman Trench that drops to more than 25,000 feet right off the shoreline. This steep ocean topography allows Idabel to depart from the dock in Half Moon Bay as opposed to needing a boat to take the sub out to sea.

Videos

PUP Belize Power to the people, 2min.

Belizean artist Tanya Carter, 13min. Belize's very own Tanya Carter.

Introduction of the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic, 5min. Here finally the official introduction of the Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic. We registered as a non-profit organisation in Belize in December 2011 and we could not have succeeded without the support of many. But since many people do not know we exist and what services we offer to benefit Belizean wildlife and people, we wanted to introduce our mission, vision and what is is we do and share some patients images and stories with this video.

Mexican hairy Porcupine, 2min. Belize Wildlife & Referral Clinic Meet the amazing Mexican hairy Porcupine, named "Petunia" (and she loves flowers). Thanks go to Daniel Velazquez Artist and Tammy M Tate for narration, this time in Creole. As a rescue and teaching clinic we try to "use" our patients stories to educate people about wildlife just as my friend Ed Clark taught me. When we can find time and money, we try to produce public service announcements like this one. We hope this will help to reduce human wildlife conflict and encourage co-existence with our amazing environment and its animals. For the future we hope to source funding to make an entire series for the different species we encounter. Until then I hope you enjoy the images - Dr. Isabelle

San Pedro Queen of Bacchanal Pageant 2015, 3.5min. With just one week after selecting its new Miss San Pedro beauty representative, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye has crowned its first ever Queen of Bacchanal, over the weekend on Saturday, September 5, 2015.

The Belize Project | Jacob's Farm, 7min. Jacob’s Farm is a faith-based rehabilitation center offering men a place to gain freedom from alcohol and drug addictions. The farm is set on 58 acres and includes two dormitory facilities, a dining hall, a bath house and an office. Jacob’s Farm provides a home for men for four months while they engage in work therapy, participate in Journey to Freedom group sessions and attend weekly Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. Program participants also have ongoing one-on-one meetings with a clinical counselor.

Jon and Nathan Zip Lining in Belize 2015 for YouTube, 4min. August 2015 Zip Lining in Belize Jon and Nathan Robertson. Seven Zip ;line course.

California first annual Belize Day on Sept. 6th 2015 with Reggae artist Tanya Carter. Opening, 3min. Tanya Carter is well known Belizean performer.

Belize monuments, 1950's - FIlm 94016, Maya Temples, 2min.

September 8, 2015

Little “AJ” in the middle with his catch of the day on Ambergris Caye

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

30 Day Belizean Treats Challenge: Day Five and Six
Our Belizean Treats Challenge continued over the weekend! On day five (Saturday) it was all about a Mestizo favorite: Salbutes! But our taste buds really exploded on day six (Sunday) with the all time Belizean favorite: Rice and Beans with stew chicken and potato salad! YUMMMMMM!

Dr. Otto Rodriguez Polyclinic II providing a valuable service to the community
The Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II is equipped with a great array of services for the general public. Currently, the medical facility offers over a dozen services and is open 12 hours a day with 24/7 emergency service as well. The medical facility is committed to maintaining the health of the people of San Pedro Town. According to Dr. Nidia Larrinaga, the clinic has an out-patient service which covers different branches in the primary health care area. “Presently, we offer maternal and child health services, in which we deliver immunization, health education in schools, pre and post natal care, vitamins/mineral supplements, pap smears, breast examinations and family spacing programs,” stated Larrinaga. These services are available Monday to Friday 8AM to 5PM. The clinic is still open for emergencies after working hours and on weekends. To access the emergency room, patients are directed to follow signs at the left side of the building.

Island Athletes represent Belize at Central American Under-21 Male Volleyball Championship
Island athletes, Gabriel “Gaby” Nuñez, Guillermo Nuñez and Afrie Black were in El Salvador participating in the 2015 Central American Under-21 Male Volleyball Championship as part of the Belize Male Under-21 National Volleyball Team. Since Friday, August 28th the team consisting of the best volleyball players from across the country have been competing again the national U-21 volleyball selection from Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panamá. The tournament is scheduled to finish on Thursday, September 3rd, with the winner advancing to the North, Central America and Caribbean Volleyball Confederation U-21 Male Volleyball Championships. While Belize did not take the championship they certainly garnered new volleyball skills for the other teams that will improve their play in the future. The Belize Male Under-21 National Volleyball Team was made up of Afrie Black, Simon Sedassey, Guillermo Nuñez, Jaryn Lino, Ernan Caliz, Dane Bradley, Voshaun Castillo, Alwyn Mahung, Jiovanny Gonzalez, Gabriel Nuñez and Terique Avila. Coaching the team was Leon Leslie and Brian Castillo, while Dawn Quan was the team manager.

Belizean economy declines 1.6% in second quarter: First six months still more productive than 2014
The Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) has released their Gross Domestic Product estimates for the second quarter of 2015. While the second quarter of 2015 shows an overall decline of 1.6% when compared to the same period in 2014, overall, the Belizean economy has registered a steady increase in the first six months. The report also indicated that the agriculture, fisheries and manufacturing industries are down. However, the country’s level of production was 2.7% higher than in 2014 for the first six months of the year. According to SIB, the total value of goods and services produced in Belize from April to June 2015 was $728.6 million, down almost $12 million from $740.5 in the second quarter of 2014. This is a big change from the first three months of 2015 which registered an increase of 7% in comparison to the same period last year. So far the total production in the first six months of 2015 are at $1,462.4 million, 2.7% higher than the country’s level of production in the first six months of 2014.

Ambergris Today

Pic of the Week - Belize King and Queen of Carnival Selected
Belize selected its King & Queen for Carnival 2015 over the weekend and Titans Mas Band swept both first places. Costume designer David Matus boasts his hard work and dedication as he created both winning costume designs. The King and Queen of Carnival will lead the parade in Belize City scheduled for September 12, 2015, as September/Independence Day Celebrations are well underway in the country.

Flashbacks - The First and Early JPs of Ambergris Caye
Today there are over one hundred Justices of the Peace in San Pedro. Not so in this flashback which goes back to the 1980’s just after township of San Pedro. In this flashback for the Independence Eve’s midnight flag ceremony, there are only a few up front to salute the flag because there was only a handful of J. P.’s at the time. Mr. Baldemar Graniel Sr. was a J. P. and also a member of the first Town Council. He later became mayor of San Pedro Town. Mr. Enrique Staines Sr. had been a village council chairman and was an active J.P. Mr. Efrain Guerrero Sr. had been an early village council chairman and was an active J.P. And finally there was Iraida Staines Gonzalez, J.P. Mr. Wilfrido “Fido” Nuñez was not present because he had retired and was living in his ranch up the coast. Mr. Abel Guerrero was also absent from the group of village Justices of the Peace. And that was it, my friends. Today the group of J.P.’s covers almost one half of the central park.

San Pedro Crowns First Ever Queen of Bacchanal
With just one week after selecting its new Miss San Pedro beauty representative, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye has crowned its first ever Queen of Bacchanal, over the weekend on Saturday, September 5, 2015. The pageant featured five young ladies, bursting with energy as they displayed their celebratory spirit in conjunction with Belize’s Carnival and September Celebrations Activities honoring the country’s Independence Day on September 21. The pageant was a fundraiser event for Mystic Mas Band that is a new Carnival Group participating in the September 21st Parade in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. The pageant was not your typical beauty pageant, as the contestants graced the stage to prove who was the most energetic, colorful and patriotic. The contestants were judged in three categories that included a Swimsuit Competition, Talent Competition and Carnival Finale Performance.

Misc Belizean Sources

Heavyweight Boxing in Cayo
We're getting a heavyweight boxing match here in Cayo, at the new Victor Galvez Stadium, on Friday, September 25th. Fres Oquendo will be fighting David Ferraez. Tickets are available at Midas Resort, Catwalk Fashions, and Venus Records. They'll be having an autograph night on the 24th at Midas Resort.

BOLEDO DRAWING for Monday, September 7, 2015: 22

Under the Shade, I Flourish: The Art Revolution in Belize
Interesting article about the art revolution in Belize. Cayo's Jorge Landero is highlighted. "Jorge Landero is a painter. He likes to start working at three or four in the morning, after a cup of milk. His open-air studio is a concrete floor walled by a hedge of bamboo, and is frequented by his German shepherd, Max, who cannot be deterred from lapping water out of the paint cans... Now, he paints bright, beautiful canvases that hang in offices, banks, and resorts all over Belize. When Prince Harry visited the country in 2012, a resort owner touched down by helicopter to pick out a gift for him."

Metal Haven 2015
The 5th Metal Haven Bash has been announced for this Halloween. They have an amazing line up. In Bloom, Almost 7, and Verge of Umbra will all be there. Get your tickets in advance, and they are only $15.

Placencia Breeze
Sept. 2015

Channel 7

Sexual Assault of Elderly Patient At "Palm Center"
There is a disturbing case at the Belmopan residential psychiatric facility known as the "Palm Center". An 80-year-old female patient reported that a much younger male patient raped her. The alleged rape happened on Monday August 31st at around 6:00. The Center Administrator Michelle O'Brian didn't have the full details when we spoke to her today, but she told us that it may have happened while the patients were lined up to receive their medication. O'Brian told us that the alleged attacker was under supervision because he had gotten into an argument with another patient earlier. But that patient somehow got away or was left unattended- and that's when the alleged rape happened. O'Brian told us what they know so far. Michelle O'Brien, Palm Center Administrator - Belmopan "On August 31st, I did received a report of an alleged rape - patient to patient. To my knowledge up to this point police still have the incident under investigation. I met with them on Friday and it occlude at the facility. This is the first incident of this kind that has been reported and we have the usual staff there and we always try to ensure that we are adequately staffed. However unfortunately even when we try to put measures in place to ensure that incident like theses and this is the first one that has occurred, unfortunately I believe that this occurred in the split of a second because everyone who was to be at work was there including the security officer."

Why Rats Are A Chronic Problem At Western Regional
And while the Western Region now has that issue to deal with - it is still grappling with the very disturbing rat episode from last week Friday morning. That's when a rat squeezed into an incubator the Western Regional Hospital Nursery and bit a newborn that was only hours old. It gets no worse than that, and tonight Jules Vasquez takes us into the hospital where he found out why rats will be a persistent problem: Jules Vasquez reporting The Western Regional Hospital has no door - and it is at ground level. The emergency entrance is also wide open - open for rats: Mark Bernard, Senior Public Health Inspector "What is contributing to this problem is that this hospital is an old institution. It is on the ground level. As a matter of fact rats walk in just like how patients walk in. It's on the ground floor. There is nothing to really keep them from getting in." But the rat that found its way into this incubator didn't walk in - he probably slipped in through here - this break in the wall of the nursery for air conditioner piping:

School Strike At Faith Nazarene
There were no classes today at the Faith Nazarene Primary School in San Ignacio. That's because the teachers spontaneously went on strike. Along with parents, they remain adamantly insistent on the removal of Principal Policarpia Pech and they wanted to make that message clear today - the day when she returned to work. When we got there - the classrooms were locked, a few students were wandering about the compound, and parents and teachers were there as well. The parents voiced their concerns: Stephanie Moody, Concerned Mother "We don't want the principal here because she is a chancy person. She is chancing the children. She is charging person that has already paid and who have their receipt. They have proof that they paid and she is still trying to collect. That is not fair, because right now money is hard to get. Everybody is working. I have a son and she targeted my son, she chance my son and she does my son lots of things. As something happens, my son is at her office. She targets my son. That is not fair and like I told the other radio stations, I just hope that she doesn't target our children - we, that are out there. This is not happening just now. This has been happening for 4 years now and the teachers are tired, because she treats the teachers like they are children." Melba Balan, Concerned grandmother "We need a change here with Miss. Pech. Because the first week of classes last week my granddaughter began going to school here. She told my granddaughter and my granddaughter corrected her and said that not how to say the word. But Miss Pech took my granddaughter to the office and beat her, because she said no little girl will correct her."

Sisters Charged For Abetment To Rape
3 persons have been charged in connection with the gang rape in Indian Creek. On Sunday August 30th a 21 year old woman was walking alone near the Nim Li Punit junction at around 4:30 in the evening. That's when 4 women grabbed her, beat her and pushed her in some bushes nearby where a man held her down while another man raped her. Police have arrested and charged sisters 29 year old Santa Shol, Zita Shol and 22 year old Albert Canti with abetment to rape. Police are still looking for 2 more persons in connection to this case. Police believe that this was a personal attack on the 21 year old because there is a feud between the Shol family and the 21 year old's family.

PUP Rally - Rebel Eleven Absent Again
Yesterday, the PUP held its 4th Power to the People Rally - this time in the Belize Rural North Constituency. The idea behind the series of meetings is to make the party's candidates accessible to the voters of the area that they are meeting in. But, again, 11 of those candidates were absent - those being the G11 who are currently at odds with the party's leadership. Importantly, four of those eleven are from the Belize District, or Eastern Caucus and they too boycotted the event. So, the PUP leadership took that impaired roster into the UDP stronghold of Belize Rural North, where, just over 2 months ago the current Area Rep., Edmond Castro, brought out just over 2100 voters for a contested convention and won by a margin of 3 to 1. For the PUP, our count says that around 700 persons showed up at the Community Center Grounds in Sandhill Village. We saw around 12 buses, suggesting that many of the supporters were not residents of Rural North. That would suggest that the voters in that constituency did not show up to listen to the PUP Leaders, certainly not in the kind of numbers that the party would hope for. We challenged the Deputy, Julius Espat, and not surprisingly, he disagreed:

Hon. Castro Stoned Out Of PUP Event
While the Power to the People Rally was in full swing, a most peculiar thing happened. PUP Standard Bearer Dolores Balderamos-Garcia was delivering her speech when, suddenly, everyone's attention was drawn to the rear of the compound. At first it appeared that some sort of fight had broken out, but when we went to see for ourselves, we found current Area Rep. Edmond Castro, in the throes of a projectile assault from a mob of angry PUP supporters. Apparently, he had decided to see for himself how the PUP event was going, and he drove his vehicle unto the compound of the Sandhill Community Grounds. He was about to drive out when he was sighted, and that's when the PUP's crowded his vehicle and started stoning it with bottles, water, stones, and pretty much anything they could get their hands on. The police officers on duty did as much as they could to try to control the crowd, but Castro had to make a hasty retreat. Shortly after, one of the attendants of the rally took to the mic during the questions and comments section and proudly declared that she helped to run Castro out on Lloyd Jones' behalf. Here's how she put it:

Lloyd Jones Endorsed, Questions Arise
Yesterday's rally also served as the platform for the party to officially endorse Major Lloyd Jones as their standard bearer for that constituency. 4 months after he was introduced as one of the PUP's newest name brands, he was officially sworn in. Circumstances have changed since then because the man who brought him in, former campaign manager Godfrey Smith has been rinsed from the PUP Executive. But Jones stayed on, and here's what he had to say to those in attendance in his first address after taking the party's oath: Major Lloyd Jones - PUP Standard Bearer, BRN "On May 4th, I made one of the most important decisions of my life. I decided to get involved in partisan political politics. i offered myself as a standard bearer for the People's United Party in Belize Rural North. Like so many other Belizeans I have grown tired of a political system that promises hope, but delivers anguish. A political system that destroys rather than build. A political system that snatches away dreams rather than help us to fulfil them." Hon Francis Fonseca - Leader of the Opposition "Major, we welcome you. We are proud and honored to have you join our team 31. You are a good man. The people of Belize Rural North are getting to know you."

Jones Weighs In On Contents Of Diplomatic Note
On Friday, we showed you an excerpt of the comments that PUP Senator Lisa Shoman gave last week Friday. She was speaking on the topic of the Belize Government's diplomatic note of protest to Guatemala following the Sarstoon River confrontation between the Belize Territorial Volunteers and the Guatemalan Navy. Prime Minister Dean Barrow, in a prime ministerial press conference to address the expedition to Sarstoon Island, say, that "an extremely strong protest note" had been sent. Well, Senator Shoman disclosed some of the wording of that note and declared that it was weak. Lloyd Jones, a former BDF major seized on his new platform as politician to criticize the government's foreign policy with Guatemala. Here's what he had to say about that and the current political upheaval in that country: Major Lloyd Jones - PUP Standard Bearer, BRN "I think the protest note reflects precisely the kind of cowardly behavior that we see coming out of the Barrow administration with respect to Guatemala. Mr. Barrow is bombastic when it comes to the Belizean people, but the shudders in fear when it comes to the Guatemalans. What we need in this country is a leader who is smart, but fearless and will have Guatemala understand that they cannot continue to bully us. At some point we are going to have to stand up as a people, otherwise this kind of behavior is going to continue and it will only get worse."

Can Jaguars Rebound From Loss To Canada?
Right now, the Belize national team is trying to recover from the 3 goals that the Canadian National Team scored against them on Friday in Toronto. The Canadians got 26 shots, while Belize took only one - and that kind of sums up an outing that was primarily defensive for the Belize side. But what will happen when they play tomorrow night at the FFB Stadium in Belmopan? This afternoon, Assistant Coach Charlie Slusher told us that the goal is still to make it to the 4th Round of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Charlie Slusher, Assistant Coach - Belize National Team "I think tactical wise we watch all the teams, the Canadian team we knew what they would have brought for the game and exactly how the Canadian played is how we expected them to play. Now on our end we practice how to counter that and we started the game with the right approach pressing from three quarters of the field, but later we fell on our half defending our half and we know that as long as we do that we would be in a lot of problems because that's the strength of the Canadian team. They play a lot of long ball, they load up in your box and if you allowed that to happen, then you will get hurt. So I think we really didn't execute our game plan and I think the simple answer to why we did not really play the way we should have is that we didn't execute our game plan going into that game."

Expo, Still Finding Favour With Consumers
This past weekend was the busiest on the September celebrations schedule, from the Belikin Bash to the Carnival King and Queen to the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Expo. Each event has its own pull and its own fans, but the Expo crosses all demographics - because, after all, who doesn't want a deal? At this year's opening of the trade show, Chamber President Arturo "Tux" Vasquez talked about how the expo came about some 19 years ago: Arturo "Tux" Vasquez - President, BCCI "The Expo over the years evolve into its new name and identity: "Expo Belize Market Place." The largest consumer trade show in the country and a significant and welcoming addition to the September celebration calendar. This year marks our 19th anniversary after starting back in 1996. What a long way to have come, despite its yearly difficulty face by the chamber in putting this event together. September as you all know is a month of celebration with many different activities happening to commemorate our month of Independence and 10th celebrations. We have managed to organized ourselves with the September Celebration Committee schedule in order to properly fit into such a busy month.

Woman And One Year Old Jacked On Farm
A woman was robbed on a feeder road off mile 20 on the Hummingbird Highway - when she was with her 1 year old daughter. On Friday morning at 9:30 the 26 year old mother was driving down a feeder road heading to her farm when she saw some bushes and branches blocking her way. She reversed and that was when two men jumped out of the bushes on the side of the road. One of the men pointed a gun to her forehead and demanded the vehicle, her cell phone and cash while the other went to the passenger side and took out the baby and placed her on the ground. The men tied the woman up, left her and her baby on the side of the road and sped off with the vehicle. The vehicle was later recovered in Cayo but police continue to look for the 2 men. The woman's Chevy pickup is valued at $24,000.

Senate Favors Fortis Settlement
Friday's Senate meeting was a marathon session - going up until about 4:00 in the evening. So, in Friday's news we didn't get to include any excerpts from the debate on Government's settlement with Fortis for the 2001 BEL acquisition. The Senator from the business sector said they approved of it, and of the source of funding:.. Hon. Mark Lizarraga, Business Senator "Mr. President, the business community is pleased to see that we are finally using Petrocaribe money, affordable loan money to retire debt obligations of tax payers in the settlement of the bonds and the Fortis debt. We are pleased to see that the government has heeded the advice of the business community for the use of the Petrocaribe money in this most appropriate manner. Mr. President, we are happy to see this motion before us today, one that we will support, because this motion today vindicates and exonorates the business community, the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, its leadership and its then senator, Senator Hulse. Our position then was clearly that government had taken a premature position an unjustified solution in the acquisition of BEL. Today, 4 years later, we are vindicated, as government has come to its senses and negotiated a settlement as was our advice to them 4 years ago." Hon. Lisa Shoman, PUP Senator "When we look at the deal that has been struck, we have to realize that it is the government that has woken up from its self-delusional coma to now admit that they need the strategic partner of FORTIS INC. and it is no doubt the smelling saults of a CCJ judgement that has taken them out of that self-induce coma."

PACT Act Pushed Through, Finally
The Senate also passed the Amendments to the PACT Act on Friday. These amendments had come under fire from some in the conservation community - and there was vigorous input at the house committee level. But on Friday, the sponsor of the bill, Minister of Forestry Fisheries and Sustainable Development Lisel Alamilla give it the final push through the legislature:..

They Stole Sterling Silver From Out The Box
Burglars got away with over $16,000 dollars' worth of sterling silver jewelry from the Art Box in Belmopan. On Saturday night after 8:00, 2 men broke into the Art Box through one of the windows. The man staying there at the time told police that when he emerged from the room where he and his wife were staying - the 2 masked men approached him with a machete and a hammer. They ordered him to kneel and they stole $16,500 worth of jewelry and $2,900 in cash. No one has been detained.

The Wild Abandon Of Mas Camps
On Friday night, due to time constraints, we didn't bring your part three of our mas camp coverage. And of course, it's not the kind of thing you just leave on the cutting room floor - and that's because there's just no easy way to ignore the reckless abandon of mas camp, dancing in the streets on a weeknight - like there's no tomorrow. That's the spirit we encountered on Thursday night. And from Mas Camps right into Saturday night's Carnival King and Queen Competition, at the Rogers Stadium. It started at around 8:00 and lasted for a marathon 5 hours. Here are a few highlights of the competition in all 4 categories: As noted in the story, the entry from Mahogany Mas Band was chosen as the Junior Carnival Queen. The Junior King was chosen from Jump Street Posse. Titan's Mas Band won both the Senior King and Queen Competitions.

Carnival King And Queen Complaints
But, of course, it's carnival so there's always going to be contention - and differences of opinion over the results. You could call it sour grapes, but a number of senior bands are straight up saying that the judges bent the rules to make the Titan Band emerge victorious in the Senior King and Queen competitions. We spoke to them this evening and found bitterness in abundance:.. The interviews were conducted late in the evening, and we could not reach the President of The Belize Carnival Association for comment.

Channel 5

Murder in Roaring Creek
There is breaking news tonight of the murder of another Roaring Creek resident. Late this evening, the resident, identified as Devin Neal, was riding a motorcycle near the Valley of [...]

Police Investigate Disturbing Allegation of Rape at Palm Centre
The Palm Centre is a residential psychiatric facility currently housing thirty-five patients, primarily persons that have been de-institutionalized from the Rockview Hospital, but have nowhere else to go and no [...]

Health C.E.O. Says Ministry Safeguarding Rights of Alleged Victim and Rapist
The outrageous allegation of the sexual assault of an elderly woman inside a mental health facility is unthinkable as is the accusation against another, much younger, mentally challenged patient. The [...]

WRH Administrator Says Measures Being Taken To Rid Facility of Rats
A nightmarish scenario played out at the Western Regional Hospital on Friday. As we reported, somehow a large, adult rat managed to get into the nursery and into a sanitary [...]

C.E.O. Baffled By Latest WRH Rat Incident
An official public health investigation is underway at the Western Regional Hospital to determine just how the unimaginable could have happened inside the neonatal unit where a newborn was reportedly [...]

Rats Proving Difficult to Remove From the WRH
The latest scandal at the Western Regional Hospital does little to boost the morale of those accessing healthcare services at the facility. Not only is the recent incident another public [...]

Jimmy Morales Stages Upset in Guatemalan Elections
There has been a major upset in the Guatemalan elections. Jimmy Morales, a businessman and comedian, is the front- runner in Sunday’s elections. Latest poll results show that while Morales [...]

Trinidadians Await Results of Elections
There is also an election taking place today in Trinidad and Tobago where the polls have closed but a winner is yet to be declared. About one point one million [...]

B.D.F. Soldier Arraigned for Sexual Offences
A B.D.F. solider has been arraigned for Unlawful Sexual Intercourse and Grievous Harm; he is twenty-nine years old and the alleged victim is fourteen. Late Friday evening, the B.D.F. [...]

Buller Charged for Violent Home Invasion
A woman’s house was burglarized while she was at home and when she tried to confront the burglar, she and her daughter were attacked. But tonight, the alleged culprit is [...]

2 Die in Separate Weekend RTAs
There were two traffic fatalities over the weekend in the Corozal District. On Sunday night, police found forty-five year old Dionicio Acosta of San Narciso Village dead on the San [...]

Health Initiative Unveiled in the Toledo District
Primary schools in the Toledo district were today recipients of equipment under a project with the World Bank, the Japanese Social Development Fund and the Ministry of Health. The equipment [...]

Jaguars Prepare to Face Canada Tuesday
The Belize Jaguars lost a heartbreaker to Canada on Friday – three to zero. But the story was not the score as much as it was the lacklustre showing for [...]

Striker Deon McCaulay is a NO SHOW at Practice
One key player on the Jaguars line-up was missing from practice this morning. Actually, reports are that prolific striker Deon McCaulay only showed up for two practices in August. Best [...]

F.F.B. Executive Says Feeding Program for Jaguars was Deficient
Quite apart from facing a very formidable Canadian team on Tuesday, the Jaguars have been having other problems. The players are housed and fed at the F.F.B. headquarters in Belmopan, [...]

A Look at the Carnival King & Queen Competition
There was only standing room available at Roger’s Stadium on Saturday for revelers of the anticipated King and Queen Competition. After long hours of judging, the results were finally in [...]

Sporting Highlights with James Adderley
Good evening, I’m James Adderley and this is Sports Monday. Toronto Canada was the scene where the national male football selection at 5:30 p.m. Friday Belize time, took on [...]

CTV3

Police Investigates Case Of Carnal Knowledge In Corozal
A twelve year old female minor is back home and safe with her family but the circumstances surrounding her disappearance is one for concern as it relates to preteens’ and teenagers’ usage of social media. The story starts out with the mother of the child filing a missing persons report at the Corozal Police station on Saturday. According to the mother, at around eight that night her daughter was in the yard but she could not locate her shortly after and decided to go to the police. Police launched an investigation and soon enough she was located but what she told police is disturbing. Officer Commanding the Corozal Formation Superintendent Denis Arnold says she met with a teenager, another minor, after chatting with him on Facebook. “She was found I believe it was Sunday morning and whilst questioning her she explained that she meet this person on Facebook and she went with him, a sixteen year old and she was taken to the doctor for medical examination and she was carnally known, she was twelve and now we have the sixteen year old in custody hopefully to be charged.”

Coast Guards Accused Of Extortion Out On Bail
The three Coast Guards who were detained at the Corozal Police Station for alleged extortion are free on bail tonight. Twenty five year old Leslie Stains from Belize City, 32 year old Dubian Montero from Bullet Tree and 19 year old Rayliee Usher from Hattieville, were arrested and charged for extortion and have appeared in court twice says Officer Commanding the Corozal Police, Denis Arnold. “They were charged for extortion on Friday, they were granted JP bail and the order to comeback this morning for arraignment in front of the magistrate, I spoke to the mother and she explained that it is was fifteen hundred dollars and a surety of the same amount each.” The officers were arrested after a sting operation took place in the Consejo area in Corozal Town that was enforced after Ricardo Rivero, a resident of Consejo Village in Corozal, reported to police that he was bringing approximately ten cases of beer from the Mexican side through the Chetumal/Corozal Bay when he was intercepted by the Coast Guards.

John Briceno Case Adjourned Again
Since February we have been following the suit against Parliamentarian and Orange Walk Central Area Representative John Briceno. As we told you, Briceno has been charged with driving without due care and attention, failing to report an accident, and harm upon Christopher Hendricks, who is the Deputy Prime Minister's driver. In his report against the plaintiff, Hendricks claims that Briceno ran over his foot with his gold Toyota Prado that he was driving on Thursday, January 22nd at the Belize High School of Agriculture Compound, located in Trinidad Village, Orange Walk. They were there for the inauguration ceremony for the San Lazaro to August Pine Ridge Road. As we've reported, Briceno completely rejects the accusation calling them “trumped up charges” but he still has to beat these charges in the Magistrate's Court. He appeared before Magistrate Murlene Moody today, and he was given a further adjourned date until December 21st, 2015.

State Of The Art Stadium To Be Built In San Pedro
General Contractor of AM Construction from Orange Walk Town, Augusto Blanco has won the bid to construct a multi-million dollar state of the art Stadium for islanders of Ambergris Caye. A release from the Belize Infrastructure Limited, the public sector agency of the Government of Belize, states that the agency has undertaken the design, construction and management of capital projects in Belize with particular emphasis on sporting and other multipurpose facilities. The Construction phase of the San Pedro Football Field comes at a price tag of $2,623,911.95 Belize dollars.

Cane Farmers to Receive Aid Via IDB Grant
A multi-million dollar grant from the Inter-American Development Bank will help to finance a project that will support the sustainability of the Sugar Industry of Belize, a release from the Bank announced today. The$1.3 million US dollar grant from the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) is a three-year project which will provide resources to create and implement a dedicated extension service for over 5,400 sugar cane farmers in northern Belize and to build a sustainable farming model that strengthens the capabilities of these farmers. The release states that the project will also support the integration of agricultural technology and the implementation of a centralized geographic information system which will enhance coordination and assist the industry’s ability to strategically plan for the future. This project will be implemented by the Sugar Industry Research and Development Institute (SIRDI) and will complement previous and on-going support for Belize’s sugar industry provided by the European Union, the Belize Sugar Industries Limited, La Inmaculada Credit Union Limited, the United Nations Development Program, and the sugar cane farmers’ associations.

Elderly Woman Killed In Traffic Accident
Corozal Police are investigating two fatal traffic accidents that took place over the weekend. The first incident was registered on Saturday evening in Libertad Village. Police were called out to the Corozal Community Hospital where they found seventy year old Elizabeth Rodriguez still conscious and complaining of head and body pain. Officer Commanding the Corozal Formation, Denis Arnold told us what police have gathered in their investigation. “While Jomar Hercules was reversing a vehicle he did knock her down.” Rodriguez, whose family also referred to as Romelia Chi, reportedly passed away at around three on Sunday morning. We visited her family at Libertad Village but they preferred to speak to us off camera. The family tells that the senior woman left her home located on Jerusalem Street in the village and apparently was headed to the shop. She stepped out of her home around 6:30 Saturday evening and not more than about a hundred yards away she was hit by Jomar Hercules as he reversed on the street. The family says that the vehicle, an Xterra, ran over the woman twice on the right side of her body.

Corozal Police Investigates Probable Homicide In Xaibe Village
Corozal police are investigating what appears to be another case of homicide. Shortly before midday today, police got word of a body being found outside the Xaibe Village boundary. Authorities are still at the early stages of their investigation but report that they found the body of a Caucasian man in an area between Xaibe village and an area called Xeanlum. Officials say that they found an American drivers license on the person of the deceased and also observed apparent chop wounds to the head, left shoulder and right arm. Police already have three persons in custody who are yet to be questioned in regards to the discovery. We will have more on the incident in our subsequent newscast.

No Rain Spells Millions Of Dollars In losses In Indian Creek
With the effect of climate change around the globe many countries have been suffering from negative impacts. One of those impacts is droughts. Our country Belize has been known for rainfall which occurs during June to November, that is, the rainy season. It is noted that the transition from dry to the rainy season is very sharp and annual rainfall ranges from 60 inches (1524mm) in the north to 160 inches (4064mm) in the south. This year however, those statistics will not be as expected causing a severe drought which has triggered millions of dollars in losses in the agriculture sector in the community of Indian Creek in the Orange Walk District, specifically to the corn and soy bean production. Today CTV3 News visited the Indian Creek fields and found out that the drought has indeed affected many farmers and their cultivation. Farmer John Knelsen contemplates on how this drought has been more severe than past years.

LOVE FM

Fatal traffic accident reported in the Corozal District
Seventy year old Elizabeth Romelia died after being hit by a vehicle on Friday night. Rodriguez of Jerusalem Street in Libertad Village in Corozal went to the Corozal Hospital complaining of pain. She told Police she was knocked down in the village. 20-year-old Jomar Hercules of Jerusalem Street was reversing a Nissan X-terra when he […]

Major Lloyd Jones officially endorsed as Belize Rural North standard bearer
The People’s United Party took their Power to the People tour to Rural Belize North this past weekend. They held the rally in Sandhill Village where approximately seven hundred persons watched on as Retired Major, Lloyd Jones, was endorsed as the Party’s Standard Bearer for Belize Rural North. Hipolito Novelo reporting… “Voters from the Belize […]

Disenchanted standard bearers a no show at PUP rally
Notably absent from this weekend’s PUP Power to the People Tour in Sandhill Village was John Brinceo, Cordel Hyde, Dan Silva, Josue Carballo, Abelard Mai- just a few of the PUP Standard bearers who make up the G-11. With the Prime Minister hinting that the elections will be called early next year, the PUP has […]

Edmund Castro shows up at PUP event, run off by crowd
While the PUP’s G-11 did not show up….Lloyd Jones’ political opponent and Area Representative for Belize Rural North, Edmund Castro, did show up. He did so for a couple of seconds after a crowd of PUP supporters proceed to chase Castro from the venue. Hipolito Novelo reporting… “Belize Rural Central Area Representative, Dolores Balderamos Garcia […]

Injunction granted for halt to destruction of houses in Maya Mopan
Today an injunction was granted to the residents of Maya Mopan, whose homes were destroyed by the Belmopan City Council and Recondev. Attorney, Michel Chebat represented the residents of Maya Mopan and was pleased with the outcome of the decision made by the Supreme Court. Michel Chebat – Attorney “We filed an application on Friday […]

Contract signed for works on San Pedro Football Field
A contract was signed for works on the San Pedro Football Field. The contract was awarded to AM Construction Company Limited of Orange Walk for two million six hundred and twenty three thousand, nine hundred and eleven dollars and ninety five cents. Signing on behalf of AM Construction Company Limited was general contractor, Agusto Blanco. Jaguars prepare for second leg against Canada
On Friday night, Belize’s A team,the Jaguars fell three to nil in the first leg of their world cup qualifier’s match. Today Love News stopped by and spoke to Jaguars head coach, Jorge Nunez. We asked about the strategy going into tomorrow night’s game. Jorge Nunez – Head Coach, Jaguars “I need the goals, I […]

Belize joins in observation of International Literacy Day
omorrow September 8th, is International Literacy Day. The Ministry of Education is celebrating the day by holding a Read Aloud Day under the theme, “Read Aloud to a child today, and every day” Lurleen Betson Gamboa told us more about the day’s celebrations. Lurleen Betson Gamboa “So what we are doing is tomorrow on Tuesday […]

Over 17,000 attend Expo 2015
Close to 17 thousand visitors came out to annual Expo Belize Market Place over the weekend. That is according to the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Opening Ceremony was held on Saturday where the guest speaker was US Ambassador Carlos R. Moreno who spoke on trading with the United States and briefly addressed […]

Friday night shooting leaves teenager injured
A Belize City teenager was shot on Friday night. Police say they visited the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital where they saw 19-year-old Winston Ramclam of a Freedom Street address suffering from two gunshot wounds, one to the left ankle and the other to the upper left arm. Initial investigation revealed that shortly after nine o’clock […]

PlusTV

Ray Davis at Senate Meeting causes uproar
The Senate met today at the National Assembly Building to debate the BEL Acquisition Settlement Act. We’ll get to some of the highlights of that debate in a bit but first to the presence and participation of Ray Davis at today’s Senate meeting and the uproar that has caused. As you may be aware, Ray...

Minister Hulse on Davis
And while the position of the NTUCB on the matter concerning Ray Davis’ appearance at the Senate was one of unreserved hostility, the Senator for Government Business, Senator Godwin Hulse, said Davis was well within his right to be present at today’s sitting since the Unions share the sa...

Man shot and killed in Tattoo shop
A Belize City resident was shot inside a tattoo parlor. On the 3rd of September 2015 inside a tattoo shop located at #8 Castle Street, 25-year-old Glenford Vernon of Belize City was shot to the arms, chest, abdomen and the left leg of his body. Vernon was taken to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospita...

Another Belize City man shot off his bicycle
A man was shot in both his legs in Belize City. On the 3rd of September, shots were being fired in the area of Malcolm and Unity Streets. 28-year-old Russell Armando Bernardez of Faber’s Road was shot to both of his legs. Bernardez was transported to the K.H.M.H where he remains in a stable conditio...

Baby in incubator bitten by rat?
Was a baby at the Western Regional hospital in Belmopan bitten by a rat? That is the information reported to Plusnews today. According to sources, the newborn baby was placed inside an incubator and somehow a rat got inside that incubator and bit the baby. Hospital Authorities have not verified the ...

Guatemalan elections this weekend as Guatemalan President faces charges
In yesterday’s newscast we told you that Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina resigned hours after a judge issued a warrant for his arrest. The embattled president has been accused of masterminding a customs scheme defrauding millions of dollars. Molina’s Vice President had resigned in Mid May o...

Voter Transfer heard in Court; Red Vs. Blue
In the months of July and August, many residents are busy transferring to different voting zones. To transfer to a different voting zone, one must live at a place for more than two months and have papers showing that they have been living there. In the Belmopan court on Tuesday, September 1st 2015...

Breaking Belize News

Elderly woman knocked down and killed in Corozal
A 70-year-old woman, Elizabeth Romelia Rodriguez, from the Libertad Village in Corozal was killed after she was hit by a 20-year-old driver on Saturday night. Jomar Hercules, who was driving a Nissan X-terra, was reportedly reversing his vehicle when he hit the elderly woman, as she was trying to cross Jerusalem Street. Rodriguez was […]

Wreck less driver kills elderly bicycle rider
A 30 year old man, Celso Carerra, has been detained by Corozal Police after he hit and killed a bicycle rider in his Nissan Murano SUV. Carrera collided into 45 year old Dionicio Acosta who was riding his bike, killing him almost immediately. The incident occurred on Sunday night around […]

Man fatally shot in the Cayo District
Unconfirmed reports reaching our newsroom is that a man was fatally shot in the head on the Valley of Peace Road, in the Cayo District tonight. More will be posted as the information is made available to us.

Fire guts popular bar in Hopkins
Belize Media Group has received reliable reports that a well-known bar in Hopkins Village is currently engulfed in flames after a freak fire lit its roof earlier this evening. Residents reported that around 6:12 p.m., they noticed a large bush fire beside the primary school, which they believe to have […]

IDB multi-million dollar grant to assist in sustainability of Sugar Industry
A project specifically designed to the sustainability to the bloodline of the North, the Sugar industry, is in the pipeline thanks to the support of the Inter-American Development Bank. A release from the Bank issued today announced that a US$1.3M grant from the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) […]

Caucasian body discovered outside Xaibe Village boundary in the Corozal District
Corozal Police are currently investigating the details surrounding the discovery of a male Caucasian body that was discovered outside the Xaibe Village boundary in the Corozal District. Preliminary investigation has revealed that they found the body in an area between Xaibe village and an area called Xeanlum. Officials also say […]

Charged for assaulting and threatening police over alcohol
42 year old Kirk Perez will learn his fate on Friday, September 11, after today pleading guilty to charges of assaulting a police officer and threatening her when she tried to stop him smuggling alcohol into the Belikin Fest at BTL Park early on Sunday morning, September 6. […]

Man pleads guilty to stealing stove
24 year old Kevin Buller pleaded guilty before Chief Magistrate Ann-Marie Smith to a charge of burglary and harm for an incident on September 3. According to the police complaint Buller was seen chasing the mother of complainant Nicole McDonald, carrying her mother’s stove in one hand. She […]

Man stabs brother on Sunday morning
Jason Garcia, a Belize City resident, has been detained by police for stabbing his brother Noel Garcia early Sunday morning. Officers visited the Eden Site area around 3:00 a.m. where they saw 37-year-old Noel with six stab wounds to various parts of the body. Noel told police that around 2:30 […]

Car stolen and recovered in string of motor vehicle robberies
A silver 1996 Honda Accord was stolen from in front of MCC grounds on Saturday night between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 10:25 p.m as the Belikin Fest, just a short distance away, saw crowds up and down the area. Kori Dawson, the owner of the car, reported to […]

Fair weather for Tenth week
The National Meteorological Service of Belize is predicting mostly sunny skies with a few cloudy spells today and partly cloudy skies tonight. Showers and thunderstorms will be isolated. Winds will blow from the East and Southeast at 5-15 knots and the sea state will be light chop to choppy.

Blogs

Enjoy Your Daily Meals With A Caribbean View
You can have breakfast, lunch, and dinner on the beach here. Any time of day or night in Belize it’s warm enough to sit outside on a deck, or at a table in the sand. The only time I need a sweater is in the evening in the dead of winter, and only then if there’s a stiff breeze. The Belizean coast and the cayes are remarkably different from the California Bay Area where I used to live. In the summer it was possible to eat outside during the day. But in the evening a dense, cold Pacific Ocean fog would roll in, chilling you to the bone. In contrast, the evenings are divine on the Caribbean coast. The day’s heat dissipates and a pleasant, balmy breeze blows along the coast almost all year. And, the fact that my cost of living in Belize is about one-third of what it was when we lived in the Bay Area, I can afford to eat out, on the sea, whenever I’m in the mood. One of the great things about Ambergris Caye is that many popular restaurants and cafes are open air, on the beach… For breakfast expats flock to Estel’s, especially on Sunday mornings, where you can sit at a table and wiggle your toes in the warm, soft sand. Estel’s is known for its fantastic breakfasts and barbecue lunches. I usually get their Belizean eggs, scrambled with plenty of veggies. And their crispy fry jacks are said to be the best in San Pedro. Breakfast here is usually less than $10 a person.

Aye, thar be treasures a plenty on Ambergris Caye
My carefully crafted plan for retirement now includes snorkeling on the Great Mayan Reef and looking for loose pirate treasure. Yo. Ho ho. That, and a bottle of rum. Forgive me if I’m expressing my inner Jack Sparrow but I’ve been reading up on shipwrecks along the Belize reef system and pirate activity in the 1600s and 1700s. Last Thursday night I dropped by the San Pedro House of Culture for the debut of its latest presentation, “Pirates in Belize.” You know, looking for some tips on where the treasure might be buried here on Ambergris Caye. Seems like there were quite a few pirates and buccaneers plying these waters. And why not? Everything about Belize worked in their favor — treacherous waters, the barrier reef, lots of little islands around which to play hide and seek. They just had to sit back and wait for gold-laden Spanish fleets to sail north from South America and then they’d spring out like rottweilers, pillage the ships and sink ‘em where they sat.

Fin Kardashian Takes SE Asia: Bangkok, Thailand Edition 1.0
HELLO from Bangkok! After 2 days of traveling, 2 Jennifer Lopez Documentaries, 3 movies and 8 sleeping pills – am finally here! Our route was from BELIZE to MEXICO to NEWARK to TOKYO to BANGKOK. How I Wish the Thai Royal family would have hosted me at the airport because am so exhausted. Well I guess I forgot to let them know I was on my way. Haven’t been Jet Lagged in a long time – so where else would I want than to stay at a Boutique Hostel? It’s like SHHHhhhhh so we moved. YES – we found one before all the FUN begins. CHERN Hostel was clean and just right!

International Sources

Comedian Wins Victory in First Round of Guatemalan Election
Comedian Jimmy Morales Leads Guatemalan Election says the Wall Street Journal. Jimmy Morales, a comic actor who once played a blundering cowboy who accidentally became president, won a surprise victory in the first round of Guatemala’s presidential election on Sunday, but didn’t secure enough votes to avoid an October runoff.

Algiers teen helps build home in Belize on Ursuline trip
Algiers teen Jordan Nicholson, a high school senior at Ursuline Academy, had the opportunity of a lifetime recently – to build a home for an impoverished family and enjoy the beautiful paradise of Belize during the same trip. Nicholson participated in the Beyond Our Borders program. The program was originally created as a response by the Ursuline sisters at Ursuline Academy. The sisters sought to go beyond their "spiritual borders." Ursuline Academy students have traveled to Guyana, South America twice and to Belize in May. The students will travel to Belize again in May 2016. Ursuline students apply in the beginning of the school year for a coveted spot to travel and do humanitarian work. Nicholson wrote a lengthy essay and was then selected for an interview. She was selected for one of only twelve slots for the trip. She learned she was going to Belize in the fall of 2014.

Queen Elizabeth II to Become Britain's Longest-Reigning Monarch
Queen Elizabeth II will become the United Kingdom's longest-reigning monarch, having occupied the British throne for 63 years and 218 days, the Toronto Star reported. The monarch is set to break a record, previously held by legendary Queen Victoria. It is estimated that Victoria ruled one quarter of the world's population between 1837 and 1901, with a cultural influence so dominant that the era was subsequently named after her. Elizabeth, for her part, ascended to the throne on Feb. 6, 1952, meaning she has led the British people for no fewer than 23,226 days, CTV news calculated. Starting with Winston Churchill, a dozen prime minister have traded keys at 10 Downing St. during her reign, and the monarch has spent 10 hours delivering her 62 Queen's Speeches at the state openings of parliament. Both Victoria and Elizabeth, meanwhile, "brought in a new spirit of hope," royal commentator Rafe Heydel-Mankoo told the Toronto Star. "Victoria [did so] after all the scandals of her uncles, and Elizabeth after all the problems of the Depression and the Second World War and the post-colonial devastation of Britain and the British economy," he explained.

Insight: The Battle For Bonefish And The Future Of The Bahamas
Flats fishing is a multi-million dollar industry in the Bahamas but proposed legislation has stirred the waters and raised concerns over protectionism and conservation. Beau Beasley reports . . . #The Bahamas boasts the largest saltwater flats in the Caribbean, reputedly ten times larger than those of Mexico. #Countless celebrated saltwater species - including bonefish, tarpon, permit, snook, crabs, shrimp, and lobster - call these flats home. Protecting the future of these flats in perpetuity is, unsurprisingly, of paramount importance to interested stakeholders, who include Bahamian fishing guides and lodge owners, government officials and all other citizens who benefit from the nation’s sporting tourism. #From the beginning, Bahamian legislators have faced strong opposition to the proposed Fisheries Resources (Jurisdiction and Conservation) Act, outlined in June and which seeks to more closely regulate fly fishing guides and lodges and establish a saltwater conservation fund paid for by the sale of fishing licences. Among its most vocal critics are foreign lodge owners who fear they are about to be regulated out of business, and local fly fishing guides, many of whom have invested their life savings - and a lifetime’s worth of sweat equity - in their Bahamian businesses. A 2010 study (The Economic Impact of Flats Fishing in The Bahamas by Tony Fedler) found that $141 million was generated by flats fishing in the Bahamas.

The End of Empire: Mérida, 1867
Two defeats frame Maximillian’s Mexican empire. The first was the famous battle at Puebla on May 5, 1862, celebrated as “Cinco de Mayo.” The less known final battle was in Yucatán — the siege of Mérida, which finally ended on June 15, 1867. Yucatán, with its geographical isolation and distinct culture, remained on the sidelines in the wars that swept central Mexico in the 1850s and -60s. Instead, political factions in Mérida and Campeche amused themselves by fighting unending battles with each other, while the Caste War with rebellious Maya ground on in the east. This was a most confusing period in the history of the Peninsula, with no political consensus and continuous violence. In Mexico, the Reform War finally ended the dictatorship of Antonio López de Santa Anna. A new generation of Liberal Party leaders came to power — including Benito Juárez, Sebastián Lerdo de Tejada, and Melchor Ocampo — pledged to end strongman politics, establish judicial equality, curb the power of the Church, and free individual economic potential.

Researchers map early American caffeine trade
Villagers residing in a swath of land stretching from southern Colorado to northern Chihuahua, Mexico, consumed caffeinated drinks beginning as early as A.D. 750, according to a study. In the years since archaeologists discovered cacao residues in ceramics from Chaco Canyon, New Mexico, researchers have questioned the time depth and geographic extent of cacao exchange between populations in the pre-Hispanic US Southwest/Mexican Northwest and Mesoamerica. Patricia Crown and colleagues used a combination of liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry to analyze organic residues present in 177 ceramic samples recovered from 18 sites in Arizona, Chihuahua, Colorado, and New Mexico. The findings reveal that villagers residing in a swath of land stretching from southern Colorado to northern Chihuahua consumed caffeinated drinks beginning as early as A.D. 750 and extending to at least A.D. 1400. The analysis identified traces of caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline, which are components of stimulant drinks that were most likely concocted from either cacao or holly leaves and twigs. The stimulant drinks were likely consumed during ceremonial occasions rather than on an everyday basis, similar to practices by other North and South American populations during that time. According to the authors, the findings may shed light on relations and trade between geographically distant North American populations.

Videos

10th of September 2015 Belize, 21min. Celebrating 10th of September 2015 @ Hollywood Park Inglewood Corozal Pride LLC Belize

Belize 2015, 13min. July 2015 Girl Scout trip to Belize!!

French Family Belize August 2015 Video, 4min. Backpacks for Belize Distribution, Two VBS's, Evangelism Training, & Street Evangelism

Belize top Destination, 9min. Saya membuat video ini dengan

UNTOLD STORIES SEPTEMBER 3, 2015, 39min. from PGTV News Network

Belize, 5min.

Meet Daniel Gutierrez the Mayor of the Ambergris Caye Belize, 16min. Meet Daniel Gutierrez that Mayor of Ambergris Caye, Belize in the town San Pedro- not only is he charming and brilliant - he cares about his town !! Listen in to Belize Talk Radio as our Host Rev. Macarena Rose, interviews the Mayor.

Placencia Flight in Belize, 7min. Co-Pilot POV Flight to Placencia Belize I recorded the video November 8th 2013 using a Gopro Hero3.

Zip lining in Belize, 6min. ZIp lining in the jungle during our trip to Belize.

Belize Highlights v1.0, 9min.

Fight night at Wingz Belize, 7min. Max Payne vs Esquivel (Cayo Lion Den)

September 7, 2015

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Wolfe’s Woofer: The Kiss
“Melody called while you were out,” Sherry said. “Did she say what she wanted?” “Something about Davin. She said she would stop by later.” When Melody came over she said, ”I have to teach a Splash ‘n Paint Class tomorrow afternoon at the Gallery and Glenn is busy, too. Can you pick Davin up from school?” “Sure,” I told her, “The Grandpa Childcare Center is open. I didn’t even realize it was time for him to be back in school.” “Classes started day before yesterday.” I was there a little bit early although I’m not sure why. Davin is usually sitting in the corner when I get there.” Class let out and children started leaving.

Police Report
Possession of a Controlled Drug: On Thursday, August 27th at 10:20AM, based on Special Branch intelligence, a team of Criminal Investigation Branch and San Pedro Police personnel conducted a search on Laguna Drive Boca Del Rio Area. Searched as part of the operation was 21-year-old Eleazar Mendez who was found with a transparent Ziploc plastic bag containing 40.2 grams of suspected Cannabis.
Burglary: On Tuesday, September 1st, Nigel Dwight Belisle reported that on Friday, August 28th about 6PM he left his work site situated at Boca del Rio area secured. Upon his return on Monday, August 31st about 9:15AM he noticed the front entrance wooden door was opened and the glass on the left hand side was broken, the back door was also opened. Upon entering he observed that several electronic items and tools were stolen. The items had a total value of $4,517.90.

Doctor Love: Failed Relationships
Dr-LoveDear Doctor Love, My marriage of six years was a disaster. He had a nasty temper that he usually took out on me, mostly verbal but sometimes physical. We divorced two years ago. Now I am married to a man who loves me and my daughters. My ex lives fifteen minutes away so the children are with him any time they want to be. He also has them every other weekend and some holidays. When we were married he never did anything to help around the house, making it clear that housework was for women. He never took care of the kids, never cooked and would not travel. Now he does all of those things. He and his new wife go out to dance and they travel a lot. These are things I would have liked to do when we were married. I feel like if we did we would probably still be together. None of this should bother me but I can’t help it. I still resent the things that went wrong in our marriage. It seems like I will never get over them. Is this normal? If not, what can I do about it?

Ambergris Today

Belize Loves Manatees, Authorities Boost Protection Initiatives
After hearing about the collisions between boats and the manatees, a meeting was held with the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI), the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and the Belize Port Authority (BPA), to figure out a quick response to the collisions, and to eventually work on a plan with stakeholders to completely eradicate these incidents. From this meeting, came the first initiative, which is to install buoys in the Belize River, in the vicinity of Haulover Creek. The BTB donated six (6) buoys, and Mr. Chamberlain of Belize Marine & Sand donated two (2) for a total of eight (8) buoys to be installed by Belize Marine & Sand. The CZMAI and BPA will simultaneously install additional Warning and No Wake signs to bring added attention to all users of that portion of the river. The CZMAI and the BTB decided to work together to conduct a workshop for Tour Guides and Tour Operators who utilize the river in their packages. The workshop was conducted on September 4th, 2015, at the Radisson. Presenters at the workshop included: Jamal Galves - CZMAI, Port Authority, Forestry Department, Maria Vega - Friends of Swallow Caye, Zoey Walker - Wildtracks.

Misc Belizean Sources

Passing of Mrs. Teody Nuñez
Mayor Daniel Guerrero, the San Pedro Town Council and Staff would like to extend its deepest condolences to the Nuñez family & friends on the passing of Mrs. Teody Nuñez. May her soul rest in peace. Mrs. Teody Nuñez was the wife of former Mayor, Mr. Alberto Nuñez. The wake of Mrs. Teody will be on Monday at her residence on Pescador Drive and Funeral Services will be on Tuesday, September 8, at the San Pedro Roman Catholic Church. Time yet to be announced. El Alcalde Daniel Guerrero, el Ayuntamiento de San Pedro y el Staff extiende sus mas sinceras condolencias a la familia y amigos de la Señora Teody Nuñez. Que en paz descanse. La Señora Teody Nuñez fue la esposa de el ex alcalde, el Señor Alberto Nuñez. El velorio de la Señora Teody será en su residencia el lunes a partir de las 5 p.m. y los servicios funebres serán el martes, 8 de septiembre, en la iglesia romana católica de San Pedro. La hora del funeral será anunciado en breve.

Volunteering with S6 in the Chiquibul
Eco Camino has a great article about spending time with the Scarlet Six Biomonitoring Team in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. They got some amazing pictures from the journey. Keep up the great work! Protect the Chiquibul! "Eco Camino is proud to say that it was a nice opportunity to volunteer with S6 -Scarlet Six, during two consecutive weeks in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. I had never seen Scarlet Macaws in the wild and the most amazing thing was, first to see 16 of them all at once, second to see them flying over my head while bathing in the Raspaculo River, a branch of the Macal River. The Macaws generally come in the Chiquibul during the breeding season which extends from April to September. The rest of the year, they migrate to Red Bank, in the Stann Creek district from early January to March. The reason of this migration is to feed on the clay where they can extract minerals from it. This will further help with the development of calcium for their eggs. It usually takes 12 to 13 weeks before a chick can fledge from its nest -the nest being a cavity in a Quam trees."

THE DYNAMIC 'SUNDAY REVIEW' & BELIZE'S KREM TV!
Since my returning to Belize in 1999, and working as a journalist with the legendary grassroots newspaper and broadcasting foundation, KREMANDALA, Sunday mornings in Belize was always filled with the highlights of Belizean radio and television shows highlighting the turning news events of the week, and filling the silence of the quiet Sabbath that permeates the life of Belize for decades now. Before them all, Dickie Bradley's Show on KREM Radio dominated the Belizean airwaves, as Belizeans tuned in to hear the brother Dickie do his thing on the pertinent news stories of the week. Dickie was legendary, he was radio Belize, he was the man people listened to. And then came others, like Mose Hyde's Wake Up Belize Show, every week day mornings, Tony Wright's Belizean Musician Past & Present, and also the legendary Kremandala Show with the legendary Evan X Hyde, the late Dr. Leroy Taegar, and friends doing their spin on the Belizean news and reviews.

Expo Market Place
I have been attending our Chamber of Commerce's Expo Market Place for many years. Each year I notice the trend of the type of businesses participating shifting to more cellular phone companies, beverages companies, a lot of alcohol, plenty of food stalls, clothing and a handful of services. The traditional businesses like the productive sector such as Hummingbird Rattan Furniture, cabinet and other furniture builders, nurseries, agriculture sector, agro-business, wood carvers, artists/painters, etc. were absent. There were approximately 214 business booths registered. Lots of music, food and booze. It felt like a big Bazar. I did miss the traditional businesses that used to attend and I wonder the reason for their absence. I picked up a few deals. Plenty of discounts and so the party continues today Sunday. I did enjoy myself and hope you too. After walking through the Expo grounds for one round, my bestie and I took off for a ride in the old capital and couldn't but help notice the cleanliness around and the national spirit feeling coming from all the September decorations.

Our little tour around the old capital!!!
Certainly our September Celebrations spirit quite visible

CTV3

Money Exchanger Robbed and Beaten By Criminals
A money exchanger from the Villager of San Joaquin in the Corozal District is tonight recuperating from a frightful ordeal after he was robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash and beaten by ruthless criminals. The victim, who wished to remain anonymous, told CTV 3 News that about 7:00 this morning he was on his way to work at the Santa Elena Border and while walking to catch passage he was approached by a clear blue station wagon with 3 passengers. According to the pesero, a dark complexion male, wearing a black stockings over his face, exited the vehicle and held him at gun point while taking away a pouch containing Belize and Mexican currency.

Otto Perez Molina Jailed After First Day Of Hearing
Former Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina is the first president of that country to resign and was detained on Thursday night before his hearing resumed this morning. Molina appeared in court on Thursday on accusations of involvement in a customs fraud in which businesspeople paid bribes to avoid import duties. Judge Miguel Angel Galvez, who had ordered his detention said there was a need to, quote, “ensure the continuity of the hearing” unquote and guarantee the former president’s personal safety. For his part, Molina said that he has always said he will respect due process and insisted on his innocence. He further told the press that he could have done several things to derail the investigation. Molina stated, quote, “I could have replaced the prosecutor, I could have dug in.” He also assured that he has not intentions of leaving the country. Attorney General Thelma Aldana told reporters she will ask that Perez Molina, 64, be jailed during the court proceedings.

Three Coast guards Charged For Extortion
Last night we told you about the three Coast Guards who were detained at the Corozal Police Station for alleged extortion. Tonight those men have been charged for extortion. They are 25 year old Leslie Stains from Belize City, 32 year old Dubian Montero from Bullet Tree and 19 year old Rayliee Usher from Hattieville. All three individuals were charged in the presence of a Justice of the Peace and were offered bail of $1,000 each which they were unable. As mentioned last night the officers were arrested after a sting operation took place in the Consejo area. The sting operation was enforced after Ricardo Rivero, a resident of Consejo Village in Corozal reported to police that he was bringing un-customed goods later known to be approximately ten cases of beer, from the Mexican side through the Chetumal/Corozal Bay when he was intercepted by the Coast Guards. The individual claimed that the officers demanded money from him in order to avoid being detained and his goods confiscated. So, he reported the matter to police and a sting operation was set in place. After the operation was carried out the Coast Guard were found in possession of an undisclosed amount of cash.

The Reporter

Mother and toddler robbed of vehicle and abandoned on road
A 26 year-old mother and her 20 month-old toddler experienced a frightening incident on Friday night when two masked men forced her t stop her vehicle, tied her up and drove off in her vehicle, leaving her and the infant on the road. The woman whom is from the Valley community, Hummingbird highway, Stann Creek, told police that around 9:30 p.m. while she was driving on a feeder road towards her home along with her baby daughter, she was forced to stop at the sight of pieces of tree branches on the road. Just then, two masked men came out of nearby bushes and one of them pointed a gun at her forehead and demanded her vehicle, her cell phone and money. The mother said the man with the gun tied her hands and put her on the road while the other one took out the baby and put her on the road beside her. Not men then took off in the woman’s tan-coloured 2003 Chevy S-10 four-door pick-up worth $24,000.

Tattoo artist shot dead inside tattoo shop
Tattoo artist, Glenford Vernon, 25, was shot dead inside the place where he worked on Thursday afternoon in Belize City. The shooting occurred at around 1:30 p.m. on the lower flat at #8 Castle Street, and Vernon died just over an hour later while receiving medical treatment at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Police say Vernon was struck in both arms, the chest, abdomen and left leg. His killer, another man, entered the tattoo shop and fired several shots at Vernon. Police have not made any arrests.

US Ambassador says Embassy concerned about impacts of bank de-risking in Belize
The United States Embassy in Belize is greatly concerned about the issue of international banks “de-risking” and cutting ties with financial institutions in Belize and the impacts it may have on the Belize economy and economic activity with the US, said Ambassador Carlos Moreno. Moreno spoke on the issue at Saturday’s opening ceremony for the 19th annual Expo Consumer Trade Show. He highlighted the continued economic relations between Belize and the US and said that the Embassy has monitored the de-risking situation closely as it continues to develop. According to Moreno, the Embassy has contacted the US Treasury Department and has started the process of opening the lines of communication to see if the issues resulting in Belizean financial institutions losing corresponding ties with international banking partners can be resolved. Moreno noted that the issue is one affecting countries all throughout the region. He said the Embassy is trying to facilitate a resolution to the issue so as to negate any possible negative effects “de-risking” may have on the country.

PAHO: Canned and processed foods responsible for obesity
Industrially processed and canned goods, including fast foods and sugary beverages are fueling increased obesity rates throughout the region, according to a new report by the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). The report indicates that importation and sales of these products have risen in Latin America and the Caribbean over the last decade, while sales in North America have seen a slight decline. According to the report, the consumption of these processed food products is directly correlated with body weight increases, indicating that these products are majors contributors to obesity in the region. “These products are not designed to meet people’s nutritional needs. They are engineered to have long shelf lives and to create cravings that can completely overpower people’s innate appetite-control mechanisms and their rational desire to stop eating. So they are doubly harmful: they are quasi-addictive and thus increase overweight and obesity, while replacing whole fresh foods that are the foundation of a natural, nutrient-rich human diet”, Enrique Jacoby, PAHO/WHO advisor on nutrition and physical activity said.

Jaguars lose in Canada
The Belize Jaguars football team returned home on Saturday morning following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Canada’s national team on Friday night and are now preparing for Tuesday’s second game against the Canadians. In the first half of the game, Canada controlled the ball and the tempo, leaving the Jaguars to defend for the majority of that half. Canada headed into half-time with a 1-0 lead, having scored in the 25th minute of play. Shortly after the second half began the Canadian scored again in the 64th minute of play, going up to 2-0 against the Jaguars. Both goal were scored by Tosaint Ricketts. Later in the second half the Jaguars attacked on several occasions, getting into the Canadian box a few times but not creating any real opportunities for star striker Deon McCaulay or any other Jaguar to score. In the closing seconds of play, in the 90th minute, Canadian Atiba Hutchinson scored off a corner kick, pushing their lead to a disappointing 3-0 score. This came after a brilliant block by Belize’s goalkeeper, Woodrow West.

Breaking Belize News

Traffic Accident in Corozal claims life
Information reaching our newsroom indicates that there was a fatal road traffic accident on the Philip Goldson Highway, near San Narciso Village in the Corozal District. According to unconfirmed reports, a man was killed in the collision. We will have more details as the information becomes available.

Missing twelve year old returns home safe
There is good news coming out from Corozal Town tonight, after a missing 12 years old girl was returned. Reports reaching our news room is that 12 year old Gabriela Leoredez has return home safe and sound. Family members are grateful to everyone who assisted in any possible manner in relocating the […]

Lloyd Jones PUP endorsement
Four months after formally being announced as the candidate for the People’s United Party (PUP) in Belize Rural North, Retired Major Lloyd Jones was formally endorsed and installed today in Sandhill village. Major Jones is challenging incumbent two-term United Democratic Party representative Edmond “Clear the Land” Castro, who […]

Guatemala’s turmoil ahead of parliamentary elections
As polls take place today in Guatemala, the turmoil that toppled a president may not enough, protesters fear, to prevent a return to status quo. Resigned Otto Perez Molina has denied allegations of a conspiracy to defraud the state by accepting bribes to let businesses evade import duties, […]

12-Year-Old Girl From Altamira Corozal Missing
A 12 year old girl by the name of Gabriela Leoredez from Altamira, Corozal went missing last night around 7:30 p.m. from in front of her house. Gabriela was wearing a white sleeveless shirt with a blue short jeans pants and brown slippers with a flower design on the side. […]

Blogs

Canada vs. Belize: Jaguars Go Looking to Make History In Canada
According to TSN of Canada, British bookmaker William Hill lists Belize as 12-to-1 underdogs against Canada going into their qualifying match this evening. The Canadians beat Belize in 2004 during 2006 World Cup qualifying and sit 26 places higher in the world rankings, but they know better than not to take Belize seriously at the BMO Field. TSN spoke to each team’s coach about their mutual respect for their opponents. “We believe it is a serious team,” Canada’s Benito Floro said. “Canada is a very good team. A lot of good players,” said Belize’s Brazilian-born coach Jorge Nunez. “A lot of players play outside (the country).” Asked can Belize win? “Yes, definitely,” Nunez said. The winner will become part of CONCACAF Group A in the fourth round, the penultimate stage of qualifying in North and Central America and the Caribbean. That pool will feature No. 26 Mexico, No. 81 Honduras and either No. 107 El Salvador or No. 148 Curacao with only the top two advancing after round-robin play.

Do You Know the Way to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye?
Have you ever wanted to book a vacation in paradise , but your budget says no? You may not be looking in the right place. Head for Belize where the mainland and hundreds of outlying islands are beautiful, fun and affordable–particularly if you stay at Ambergris Caye’s SunBreeze Suites in San Pedro town where seasonal discounts and packages are always wallet-pleasing. But before you can explore San Pedro in Ambergris Caye you must get here. You’ll be offered two choices if you talk with travel experts: Either fly or boat from Belize City to Ambergis Caye. At first, price disparities between the two may seem formidable, but you could be surprised if you look closer. Is flying your choice? If you’re coming to Ambergris Caye directly from the U.S., sort out your ticket to Belize City from North America first because this is Belize’s international hub. From there, catch a flight to Ambergris Caye that will set you back around $70 USD one way, unless you find a discount. According to travel website TripAdvisor.com (where you can register to be notified if prices drop on Belize City/San Pedro flights!), multiple, daily nonstop flights cover the 34 mile distance on Maya Island Air or Tropic Air, small airlines servicing this hop. Most direct flights leave at around 17:40 MDT; all of them get you to San Pedro in 15 minutes.

A Drive North: The Old Costa Maya Resort is Looking AMAZING & Opening Soon
Yesterday, I took a drive up north to check on a few things….the road (which, based on the HUGE trucks blowing by us) is under heavy construction and set to go even farther north. On Thursday, Mayor Danny said that the road would continue all the way up to the old Basil Jones air strip. I can show you where the Basil Jones area is…about 11 to 13 miles north Ambergris Caye. But I can not tell you much about the air strip there. I know it was used for some early (1990s?) oil exploration. And as to who Basil Jones was? I need to do some more research (as usual). So the road will continue. ALL that being said…yesterday I made my way up to 7 miles north and Xtan Ha Resort. And then back down to about 6 miles north and the old Costa Maya Reef Resort – that closed in 2010. We then drove just south to another pretty stretch of beach (REALLY gorgeous) – the old Costa Maya Reef Resort. They are slated to open on November 1st. And the construction teams were working hard. They will soon be working day and night to make sure of the opening date. I believe they are planning to be ALL-INCLUSIVE. Pretty much a first for San Pedro. Here is the current website. Now called Costa Blu Resort and managed by Sandy Points – managers of resorts like Coco Beach and Belizean Shores. Here are the pictures I took yesterday. So nice to see this area rejuvenating. It’s a HUGE lot and right in front of the gorgeous Mexico Rocks snorkel area.

International Sources

Belize vs. Canada: Floro calls for clinical finishing
Canada is in command of its CONCACAF qualifying third round tie against Belize, but coach Benito Floro sees room for improvement. Benito Floro has warned his Canada side that it must be more clinical if it is to qualify for the World Cup ahead of its CONCACAF qualifying third-round second leg against Belize on Tuesday. Tosaint Ricketts scored twice and Atiba Hutchinson added a late third goal as Canada beat underdog Belize 3-0 in Toronto on Friday. Canada will be expected to finish off the job in Belmopan and join Mexico, Honduras and the winner of the El Salvador against Curacao in a robin-round group phase for round four. But head coach Floro stressed that Canada can ill afford to squander so many chances against stronger sides in its quest to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. "It is the first time in my professional career my team has not faced any shots on target, it means my team played a very good game," Floro said after the first-leg victory. "My team played perfectly, controlling the game and created a lot of attacking moves. But we should have won by more goals; we should have scored eight goals. It was not because of the Belize defense that we did not score more goals.

TomatoFest vegetable art an edible form of expression
Creating art using fruits and vegetables is not new. Carving jack-o-lanterns originated with the Celts, and was brought to the United States by Irish immigrants. The art of carving turnips and potatoes in Ireland was applied to pumpkins in the United States. Tomatoes have been carved as flowers to top off salads; watermelons become fruit baskets to hold fruit salads; pineapples can be magically transformed into palm trees. I was pleasantly surprised to see examples of veggie art at an agricultural fair held in Belmopan, Belize. There, locally grown fruits and vegetables were assembled to create turtles, sharks, porcupines and cacti, among other familiar plants and animals found in the tropical environment, or from other distant lands.

Otto Perez jailed following resignation Steelers Lounge
Perez Molina, 64, was ordered locked up until a court hearing on Friday to face corruption charges, and was seen being escorted into a military prison in central Guatemala City. Alejandro Maldonado Aguirre, who was appointed by Congress to replace Perez Molina's previous vice-president, Roxana Baldetti, after she resigned in May, was sworn in as the nation's chief executive that afternoon. "But I can't simply run off and abandon my post - the legal process [of Perez Molina's case] is still underway". Security was tight around the courthouse where Perez Molina appeared yesterday, with scores of police and members of the presidential guard stationed around the building. "Well let me say with respect to Molina, I was very pleased with the way he behaved toward Belize during his tenure because we all know his history that he was Chief of Staff or certainly extremely high in the Guatemalan military".

Polls close in Guatemala presidential election
Campaign overshadowed by political turmoil, with corruption investigation resulting in the president's resignation. The first results have started trickling in, hours after polls closed in Guatemala's presidential election. As of 03:00 GMT on Monday, political newcomer Jimmy Morales is leading the vote count, as the race looks set for an October run-off, said Al Jazeera's Daniel Schweimler, reporting from Guatemala City. According to Guatemala's election authority, Morales, 46, had 25.6 percent of the vote with 12.66 percent of ballots counted, while early favourite Manuel Baldizon, a conservative businessman, trailed with 21.2 percent. To prevent an October run-off, a candidate is required to win at least 50 percent of the vote. The campaign was dogged by allegations of corruption which prompted mass protests and a wave of political turmoil that overshadowed Sunday's vote.

Videos

Always On The Go - The Stirs of My Sister, 3min. A short documentary about my awesome sister and her lust for world travel. My entry to the World Nomads 2015 film scholarship. This film documents our three months of travel from Mexico down to Colombia and everywhere in between.

Rum Tirty, 3min. Caye Caulker Island, Belize 2015 with Raggamuffin Tours. Great crew, great food and Caribbean Rum at Rum-Tirty.

Lionfish spearing with ReefCI in Belize, 1/2min.

Half Moon Caye Belize June 2015, 45min.

Sleeping Nurseshark in Belize, 1.5min. Grabbed a sleeping shark in shallow water.

Belize Under The Sea, 19min. Jim and Carla's Belize 2015 SCUBA Trip.

WCQ - CONCACAF : BELIZE vs CANADA 2015, 52min.

WCQ - CONCACAF : BELIZE vs CANADA 2015, 61min.

Fight night at Wingz Belize, 12min. Omier Sandido vs Alex Neal.

September 6, 2015

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Hip Hip Hooray Celebration Month is Underway!
It’s September and MBB is celebrating all things Belizean throughout the independence month! Come along with us as we celebrate our beautiful nation through its rich flavors, music, destinations, our people, and even some fun facts! It’s all about Belize and we’re loving every minute of it, we hope you do too!

San Pedro U-15 Female Football Team places 4th in National Tournament
From Saturday, August 29th to Sunday, August 30th, six female Under-15 (U-15) football teams from across the country faced off in the first ever Football Federation of Belize (FFB) National Female U-15 Football Championship. Held at Belmopan City, the tournament saw the participation of teams from Independence Village, Dangriga Town, Orange Walk Town, Corozal Town, Belmopan City and even, San Pedro Town. Similar to the FFB National Male U-15 Football Championship held on Monday, August 17th, the tournament served not only as healthy competition between municipalities, but also as a means to draft out players for the a national female U-15 team. The island team was led by coaches Alex Noralez and Paul Kelly. At the end of the two day competition the girls ended in 4th place, with the Independence U-15 Female Football Team taking first place. The participating teams were divided into two groups of three for the first round in the tournament. The San Pedro U-15 Female Football Team played against the Independence U-15 Female Football Team and the Dangriga U-15 Female Football Team in the group round. This group’s games were played at the Mountain View Football Field. The second group consisted of Orange Walk Town U-15 Female Football Team, Corozal Town U-15 Female Football Team and Belmopan City U-15 Female Football Team, and their matches were played at the Las Flores Football Field.

SPRCS thanks Blue Water Grill and The Phoenix
The faculty, staff and students of San Pedro Roman Catholic School would like to extend a big thank you to Kelly and Mukul Kanabar of Blue Water Grill and The Phoenix Resort for their most generous donation to the school. The company’s donation consisted of 20 standing fans, the installation of 15 ceiling fans, and $2,400 cash, which was used to replace classroom lighting fixtures and purchase new windows and doors. Your donation will go a long way in helping to maintain an environment conducive to our student’s learning. We applaud your generosity and investment in the children of San Pedro, once again Thank You!

Kevin Velasquez wins 6th Annual Battle of St. George’s Caye Regatta
The third national ranking regatta of the 2015 Belize Sailing Association (BzSA) season took place on Sunday, August 30th at St. George’s Caye. Six sailing clubs from across the country participated in the 6th Annual Battle of St. George’s Caye Regatta hosted by the Belize City Sailing Club (BCSC). Taking top honors in the optimist discipline was San Pedro Sailing Club’s (SPR) very own Kevin Velasquez, while first place in the laser division went to Christopher Young of Corozal Bay Sailing Club (CBSC). Even in unfavorable weather condition, the young sailors from SPR, CBSC, BCSC, Belize Sea Scouts (BSS), Placencia Sailing Club (PSC) and Caye Caulker Sailing Club (CCSC) still managed to complete the regatta. The races promptly started at 9:30AM with both optimist and laser sailors competing in six races. The ultimate goal of the race is to score the least cumulative points, as such, the highest score out of the six individual races was dropped.

Misc Belizean Sources

Winner of The Belize Adventure Sweepstakes Announced by Chaa Creek
The Lodge at Chaa Creek has announced the winner of this year’s Belize Reef and Rainforest Adventure Sweepstakes. Lea Itzab, Chaa Creek’s marketing officer, said that Sarah Hirsch, from the US state of Michigan, won the sweepstakes prize; a complete eight-day all-inclusive Belize vacation package for two, valued at over US$7,000 dollars. When advised that she won the August 2015 sweepstakes, Ms Hirsch replied, “I can't believe I won! What an incredible opportunity this will be to explore the beauty of Belize, learning about Mayan culture and becoming one with nature in what sounds to be an amazing eco-resort. We are ready for adventure!” Ms Itzab said that the sweepstakes, the most ambitious competition Chaa Creek has ever offered, attracted over 30,000 entries from across the globe. “It was a great success, and showed us that we have quite a substantial worldwide following of people who are engaged with Chaa Creek and familiar with Belize in general,” she said.

Petrocaribe has worked, says Falconer
MINISTER with responsibility for information, Senator Sandrea Falconer, said Jamaica and other participating States have benefited significantly from the PetroCaribe Agreement. "Jamaica's ability to afford its energy requirements has been favourably impacted by this single most important PetroCaribe Agreement with Venezuela," Senator Falconer said. "This allows the Government to purchase oil at market value, but on preferential conditions, and this has been of tremendous benefit," she noted. The information minister was addressing members of the local and Venezuelan media at a special Jamaica House press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister's Western Regional Office in Montego Bay on Friday. Several Heads of Government and State, energy ministers and other ministers of Government are participating in the Summit meeting at the Montego Bay Convention Centre (MBCC). They incude: president of Haiti, Machel Martelly; president of Nicaragua, Daniel Ortega; prime minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Timothy Harris; prime minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves; prime minister of St Lucia, Dr Kenny Anthony, prime minister of Antigua Barbuda, Gaston Brown; and deputy prime minister of Belize, Margarito Gasper Vega.

Cayo Seed and Plant Exchange
The Cayo Seend and Plant Exchange is next Saturday, at Empyrean Art Center. "Bring your seeds, sprouts, and trees! We are hosting our first seed swap on Saturday the 12th !"

The Reporter

Expo 2015 – the biggest yet!
The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) marked the 19th anniversary of the annual Expo trade show with an opening ceremony on Saturday morning at the ITVET Campus. BCCI President Arturo Vasquez said this year’s Expo is bigger than it has ever been and it is an encouraging sign for business in Belize. According to Vasquez, this year there were 214 booths rented out compared to the 197 from last year’s Expo. The Merida Chamber of Commerce also participated in this year’s event. Vasquez said it is a critical step in building cross-border trade relations with Mexico. Apart from the usual line-up of food, beverages, entertainment and retail products, Vasquez said there were also optical and medical services available for the first time at this year’s Expo. He added that the consumer trade show is still the best place for Belizeans to get deals.

Rat bites newborn inside hospital incubator; DHS says new hospital needed in Belmopan
An ongoing rodent infestation intervention initiative at the Western Regional hospital in Belmopan reached a different level on Friday when medical officials at the facility discovered that a rat had entered a newborn’s incubator, undetected, and bitten the baby. The incident happened early on Friday, just hours after the baby was born Thursday night and placed in the incubator. It has sparked the hospital’s administration to theorize that the rodent entered the maternity ward through a recently-created air conditioning vent that was not properly sealed. The rat then assumedly climbed through the incubator tube that is left open for easy human access to the newborn. The Director of Health Services, Dr Ramon Figueroa has said that while the newborn has to undergo tests to determine if he contracted any disease from the rat-bite, he appears to be alright.

The Belize Times

Sweet Deal…for Brother B
Prime Minister Dean Barrow proved the sceptics very right on Monday August 31st, as he put on a plastic smile and huddled to the tune of cumbaya with executive representatives of the very same company that he booted out of the Belize Electricity Limited under the guise of “unavoidable public interest reasons” in June 2011. Now, PM Barrow, whose administration has been economically haemorrhaging and letting off a distasteful scent to possible investors and partners, as a result of the actions taken against BEL, among others, has had to welcome “big, bad” Fortis Inc. back into the fold.

Belmopan Mayor threatens to leave 30 families homeless
Over thirty families residing along a narrow strip of land in the outskirts of Maya Mopan in the City of Belmopan have been threatened by Belmopan Mayor Khalid Belisle. The families have been told that if they don’t leave the land the Belmopan City Council will tear down their small homes. Four homes were destroyed last week, apparently in a move to intimidate the other residents who have been told that they have two weeks to move or else. The BELIZE TIMES visited the area last Friday and discovered that the residents are fearful that the actions of the cold and callous UDP Belmopan City Council will leave them homeless. 66 year old Reyes Cal was not at home when a bulldozer arrived in the area last week. His house sits nearest to the access road and so it was the first one targeted. But Cal’s daughter, who lives a short distance away, yelled at the destruction crew and begged them not to destroy her father’s home. They told her they would return and moved to break apart the neighbours’ house, which was lying in pieces, flattened, tattered and scattered along with three others.

Gunmen execute Russell Hyde & girlfriend, Marcy Humes
45 year old Russell Hyde was well known to many in the Cayo District, in particular in the communities nearest to the city of Belmopan. He was known for many things, among them his notorious past and much recently, that his family and close friends lived in fear after his wife was shot dead and close associates began turning up dead, dismembered. But the high-stakes drama following Hyde’s life will now become a tale of mystery and tragedy to share. On Friday, August 28th, Hyde and two others, including his girlfriend 28 year old Marcy Humes, were ambushed and killed mercilessly by armed gunmen as they reached his home in Camalote Village.

Hon. Dolores condemns UDP’s Bad Governance
One of the important issues brought to the fore at Wednesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives by Opposition members is the rotten governance style of the UDP Government. Pushing a blatant political agenda, the United Democratic Party has overridden official leadership and genuine authority throughout the country, from those in elected village councils and their Chairpersons, to elected People’s United Party representatives. The UDP has anointed their own partisan-elected candidates as “caretakers” and has given them “authority” over issue such as scholarship distribution, land recommendations, and even the distribution of money through Petrocaribe funded programs such as Mother’s Day cheers.

Are we ready for the Big Dance?
Belizeans across the nation are anxiously anticipating the announcement of the date for our next general elections. The decision, of course, lies solely with one man and one man only. Yet, never has one man been so intoxicated or reveled so much in power and authority, than this current prime minister of Belize. Should the elections be called early, it would be the third time since Independence that such a snap election would have occurred. The last time was in 2012 when elections were called a year early and before that in 1993 when elections were called a full 15 months before they were constitutionally due. Conventional wisdom suggests that snap elections favor the incumbent, since the party in power has the luxury of calling it at their convenience or at such time as they believe to be advantageous. There are times however, when such a decision to call an early election has backfired, as was the case in 1993. In that instance, it was the UDP who was in disarray and the PUP who was riding on the high of a recent municipal victory; oh how the tables have turned.

Barrow’s Failed “Nationalisation”
The Peoples’ United Party reiterates its principled position of concern over the manner in which the current UDP Administration is managing the debt obligations of Belize. In 2011, when the Prime Minister, seized all the assets of Fortis Inc. in Belize Electricity Limited, claiming that his government was acting in the face of a crisis, he boasted of a nationalistic approach to the acquisition of public utilities. He had harsh words for Fortis Inc. as a strategic investor, and for BEL’s management at the time. In order to achieve his ends, the Prime Minister, using his parliamentary super-majority subverted the Constitution of Belize, bending its architecture in a violent and unnatural manner, in gross and indecent haste, in an ill-conceived, poorly structured move to undermine Fortis as an investor.

Belize Bank Bulldogs win back-to-back national women’s softball champs
The Belize Bank Bulldogs won the national female softball championship by a 5-4 win over Belize Telemedia in the finals, when the national championship was held at the Rogers Stadium over the weekend. Telemedia got 7 hits off Bulldogs’ MVP pitcher Kenreen Gillett, who struck out 2 batters and walked 7. Bulldogs’ Greta Davis scored 2 runs while Cindy Joseph, Ashley Lucas and Marsha Wills scored a run apiece. Telemedia’s Lydia Cacho and Norecia Fraser scored 2 runs apiece.

Team Belize wins 2015 O.W. Mundialito
Louisiana area’s Team Belize won the 2015 Orange Walk Town Mundialito championship final against Yo Creek’s ‘Argentina’ team 2-0 at the Louisiana Government School field on Sunday. Jesse “Beast” August scored Belize’s 1st goal, and the Yo Creek defense deflected the ball into their goal for the 2-0 win. San Estevan’s “Portugal’ team won the 3rd place consolation game: 2-1 against ‘Colombia’ from the La Inmaculada area of Orange Walk Town. Joan Bull scored for Portugal, but Rodolfo Argueta equalized for Colombia. The Colombia defenders goofed in deflecting the ball into their own goal to give Portugal the 2-1 win.

Kent Gabourel wins 2015 Lionman Triathlon
Kent “Bob” Gabourel won the 2015 Lionman Triathlon swimming 1,500m in 31 minutes and 24 seconds, riding 40 km (25 miles) in 1:03:00, and running a distance of 10km (6.25 miles) in 35 minutes. In the team relay category, Belize Bank was 1st place, with swimmer Anthony Leslie, cyclist Alicia Thompson, and on the track Derick Conorquie.

PM’s bodyguard charged for murder
One of the Police bodyguards assigned to Prime Minister Dean Barrow and his family, 33 year old Police Corporal Ryon Wagner, has been arrested and charged for the murder of a Nicaraguan national. Wagner was charged on Monday, August 31st, after he and another Police Officer went to the Police Station on Friday, August 28th, claiming that they had killed a man. They both appeared to be intoxicated. But the two could not be charged for the same crime; therefore, after Police investigations Wagner was slapped with the charge. The victim is Nicaraguan national, Eduardo Manuel Perez Sanchez. His lifeless body was found on a road in Teakettle Village by a passer-by in the wee hours of Saturday morning.

The Real Deal! – “Our children in 2015 cannot continue to suffer in darkness,” says PUP Rep. Hon. Oscar Requeña
This time there was no beating of his chest. No thumping of the podium and no bravado language, as Prime Minister Barrow ate his own vomit and announced that Fortis Inc. has been welcomed back to Belize Electricity Limited. The return of Fortis is first and foremost admittance that their 2011 takeover of the company was wrong headed. But what’s worse is that even with 100% control of the company for four long years, the Government of Belize could not invest in a single major electricity expansion project anywhere in the country. Speaking at Wednesday’s House Meeting, Hon. Oscar Requeña spoke boldly about the Government’s neglect of the Toledo district, where there has been no electricity expansion ever since the UDP took office.

Back to School Project in Collet Completed!
Thanks to fundraising efforts by the hard working and dedicated members of the PUP Collet Committee and through the generosity of several Friends of Collet, including United Women’s Group President, Mrs. Yolanda Schakron, PUP Collet Standard Bearer, Yasmin Shoman, assisted 161 children with backpacks and school supplies. The PUP recognised the financial burden that thousands of families, many on the South Side of Belize City, are faced with during these trying economic times and remain committed to Social Justice, focusing on three pillars of Reform: Governance, Economic and Education and Health.

Is Lands Ministry spiting Kremandala?
UDP Area Representative Mark King has publicly stated that he has waged war against the Kremandala empire, claiming that his objective is to “get rid of” PUP Lake Independence Standard Bearer Cordel Hyde, Krem Radio manager Mose Hyde and their father, Amandala Publisher Evan X Hyde. King, it appears, is not the only UDP personality taking on the Hydes. It appears UDP Deputy Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Gaspar Vega has issues of his own. On Monday of this week, Mose Hyde revealed that Vega’s Ministry of Lands, described by the Prime Minister as a hotbed of corruption, has frustrated their efforts to give land to the poor. Hyde said that the Lands Ministry halted a programme launched by Krem in which lots have been given out to over twenty first-time landowners because the land site does not include space for a park.

Francis Defends Sarstoon…Dean Rages!
It was most interesting to see Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s reaction and response to issues and concerns raised by Opposition Leader Hon. Francis Fonseca at the closure of Wednesday’s House Sitting. It was vintage Dean O. Hon. Francis Fonseca stood up to pay tribute to the patriots who journeyed to Sarstoon area and called on the Government to take up their responsibility to protect Belizeans when they travel to the Sarstoon area and defend Belizean territory. If the Barrow Government is not prepared to do this, challenged Hon. Francis, then they are useless. One would think that the Prime Minister would support this. We’re in September – the month when patriotism climaxes.

The Saviors of Sarstoon
From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon. Those are the poetic words used by Samuel Haynes in our National Anthem to define our country, Belize, from north to South. Events over the past six years, however, have shown that if mother England, United States, Guatemala, and the UDP had their own way we would own the southernmost part of the country, the Sarstoon area, on paper only. Today we know of the southern markers of Belize and the untold wealth in the deep south of our country because a group a brave and patriotic Belizeans took the necessary steps to get to know that area of our land. There is great displeasure with this Government over what is happening in the Sarstoon area of the Jewel. By its hands off policy in the deep south of the country the Barrow administration has quietly given our covetous neighbor a large portion of that area of the Jewel. While the Government has nearly prohibited Belizeans from going to the Sarstoon area, Guatemalans exercise full use and enjoyment.

Will LICU weather the storm?
Amidst loud howls of protest, the Board of Directors of La Inmaculada Credit Union (LICU) hurriedly closed the Special General Meeting which they had reluctantly called on Saturday, August 22, 2015. At the abrupt call for an adjournment by a member, the Board members led by President Ena Martinez cleared the towering podium and stage. They scurried away; barely giving media houses a chance to conduct proper interviews and once more denied an opportunity for transparency. They each appeared nervous and afraid that the longer they stayed the more they would be harassed – by the media, by the over 1,000 members/owners of LICU who were in attendance or by a crowd of angry members/owners who were visibly bitter that they had not gotten “answers” at the meeting.

WOMAN IN THE HOUSE – KATRINA AND ERICA
Some time ago I wrote a piece called “Lavern and Nora” on the important issue of domestic violence. Today I write on a much different, though no less compelling, topic – that of tropical storms and hurricanes and the need for eternal vigilance in Belize and our region. This past week the United States and New Orleans commemorated the Ten Year Anniversary of super/mega Hurricane Katrina. Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Bill Clinton, George Bush and Barack Obama have all attended memorials in New Orleans. In August 2005 Katrina ravaged New Orleans and the Southern US Gulf Coast. 2,000 people perished and over 1 million displaced. It was the most expensive natural disaster in US history. The failure of the levee system in New Orleans left 80% of the city under water. In the Lower Ninth Ward, populated mainly by poor African American people, storm waters burst through. It was the hardest hit area of the city. The commemoration ceremonies were of course about moving forward, while never forgetting those who were killed. All speakers said it was important to remember everyone affected.

Dr. Carla Barnett – UDP Window Dresser
Dr. Carla Barnett in a letter to the editor dated August 12, 2015 published in the Amandala for Sunday August 16, 2015 shared some charts using data from the Central Bank of Belize’s website in relation to the evolution of Belize’s public external debt. Dr. Barnett indicated that much of the discussion regarding Belize’s indebtedness has been drawn along Party lines to which clearly the doctor has penned her article. I do agree that the Jewel’s public debt gives cause for a healthy discussion, but it is imperative that the facts be imparted in an accurate fashion if it is to be contributed positively regarding Belize’s macroeconomic policies. Conveniently Dr. Barnett has slung her political arrow to deceive the public that the People’s United Party administration has been responsible for the accumulating of the largest additions to the external debt totalling some BZE $1452.4 million between 1998-2003 and 2003-2008.

Breaking Belize News

Belize ~ Analysis of The Fortis and GOB Deal on B.E.L
In June 2011, the Government of Belize (G.O.B.) expropriated, by force, the Belize Electricity Limited (B.E.L.) from Fortis Inc. control. At the time, Fortis controlled 70.2% of the common shares of B.E.L. Thereafter, G.O.B. owned 70.2%, and Belize Social Security Board (B.S.S.B.), 26.9%, with small private shareholders holding […]

Rat among the babies?
Born just hours before, an infant suffering from a respiratory infection was attacked inside its incubator by a rat that got in through the tube venting from overhead ventilation. But hospital officials are baffled, because according to hospital administrator Bernadette Seaver the room was recently cleaned thoroughly and high alert was placed […]

Belmopan needs new separate hospital: Director of Health Services
It is time for a new hospital for the not-so-new capital of Belize, according to the Ministry of Health. Newly-appointed Director of Health Services in the Ministry succeeding Michael Pitts, Dr. Ramon Figueroa, says the Western Regional Hospital, which was previously the Belmopan Hospital but now serves all of Cayo […]

BEL Energy Workers Reject Mediation, Prepare For Industrial Action; Minister Not Giving Up
Minister of Labour Senator Godwin Hulse says he has not given up on mediating the dispute between the management of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and the Belize Energy Workers Union (BEWU); but it appears the Union has. According to 7 News the Union wrote to Hulse this week saying it […]

Belize Bank contributing to Sports Development
The Belize Bank Ltd. continued its commitment to the development of sports in Belize. Over the past week, over $17,000 was donated to support sporting initiatives. The investment does not only keep the players occupied and focused, but also encourages others to get involved with sports. It improves nationalism and […]

Blogs

Team Spirit
Last night many of San Pedro Expats met up for Belize versus Canada game. Of course many were Canadian but not all. There were a few Americans and of course lots of locals cheering their home team on. Popular sports bar Lola’s Pub was packed and it was standing room only. Through the crowd you could see various people showing their team spirit happily waving and wearing their flags. Aside from star bartender Norvle for being willing to make me a virgin mule when the bar was slam busy and Sherlette who I knew would bring me a fabulous dinner :) I had thought about it earlier in the morning when I read and posted Canada takes on underdog Belize in World Cup qualifying article from the Toronto Star. American born Kendall posted BELIZE!!!!!! I thought to myself I know if it was America he would have likely been USA!!!!!! I decided that as much as I love Canada, Belize is my home now and I was going to root for them to win. Plus I like a good underdog story.

Belize v. Canada: Sue Was Right to Hedge Her Bets But We Have A Chance in Belmopan, I KNOW It
A hot muggy one in Belize….leading up to a historic event for the country. Our Belize National Football (Soccer) team was playing Canada (in Toronto) – round 3 for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. Later that night, I watched the game at Lola’s Pub – which APPARENTLY was designated for Canucks…who knew? Sue, a Canadian born Belize resident was hedging her bets… All Canada fans. After the first Canada goal…I’m not even sure if Canada scored or if Belize accidentally kicked it in…I was ready to go. On a more positive note – Lola’s Pub has excellent bar food. These pork sliders (made with Charles – of Estel’s – pulled pork) and jalapeno mac & cheese are delicious. SO were the wings…yum.

Lionfish Hunting at Francis Ford Coppola’s Belize Beach Retreat
In search of the invasive species that’s so delicious it deserves to die. “I know where some sharks live around here, you guys wanna go visit them?” says Zane, our dive master – half Sean-Paul, half explorer Jacques Cousteau. We are scuba-geared up and bobbing above the world’s second largest reef, 20 nautical miles off the coast of Belize. The lionfish—or Pterois—is without a doubt one of most extraordinary looking creatures in the sea. A native of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, its fan of spiked fins has stripes more reminiscent of a tiger than a lion; it hovers rather than swims in the water – and it is also one of the world’s most venomous marine animals.

Videos

Adventure in Belize, 4min. Belize in August was a blast.

Belize Trip Day 5, 6min.

September 5, 2015

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

30 Day Belizean Treats Challenge: Day Four
Follow us on Instagram or Facebook to see all the great treats you can enjoy in Belize! Don’t forget to share your eats with us by hash-tagging: #mybeautifulbelize

Otto Perez Molina resigns as Guatemala’s President
After witnessing the arrest of his Vice President, Roxana Baldetti, and the heavy pressure of an entire country, Guatemalan President, Otto Perez Molina resigned late Wednesday evening, September 2nd after the country’s Attorney General obtained a warrant for his arrest on corruption charges. The former president was remanded to a military prison known as Matamoros. On Friday, September 4th, Molina was taken to court where he heard recorded evidence of his involvement with a corruption ring dubbed “La Linea”, and consequently delivered his declaration. A spokesman said that the former president had decided to step down to confront the proceeding against him. The fact that Congress stripped him of his immunity from prosecution is a first in the Central American nation. With a unanimous vote of 132-0, Molina’s immunity was stripped and he seemingly had no choice but to resign. His resignation comes just days before presidential elections in Guatemala. With Perez Molina’s resignation, Alejandro Maldonado was appointed by Congress as the temporary president until January 2016 when the newly elected president takes office.Prosecutors accuse Perez Molina of masterminding a scheme to defraud the customs service of millions of dollars linked to the corruption ring “La Linea”, allegations which he denies. Investigations reveal that the main accusation involved businesses paying bribes to government officials and custom officers in return for being allowed to evade import duties.

San Pedro Police formation holds business watch meeting
The San Pedro Police detachment held a business watch meeting on Wednesday, August 26th at the Lions Den, where an update was given on the comparative statistics for the period of January to August 20th for 2014/2015. Various members of the business community were invited to participate and learn about the progress the police department is making in San Pedro. The meeting highlighted recent activities on the island, as well the plans put in action by the security forces. Superintendent Sandra Bodden opened the meeting, briefly introducing herself and started her report. “I hope to meet many more of you who are here in attendance and of course to work closely with everyone. Since taking over last month, we’ve had an increase in our major crimes. In the case of burglary we’ve had an increase by one and theft has increased by two compared to the same time last year,” stated Bodden. She indicated that burglaries have been occurring mainly on the weekends. “In the area of theft, most of the incidents have been occurring in zone 2, which is by Boca del Rio, and downtown and San Pedrito areas. We have been patrolling these areas in an attempt to avoid any incidents to escalate,” said Bodden. She commented that there are 54 police personnel who are engaged in a 12 hour shift with appropriate time off.

Grounded vessel “Termaji” removed from reef
On Thursday, August 28th the sailboat “Termaji” was finally removed from the Belize Barrier Reef. Originally from France, the Termaji had ran aground on a portion of reef just south of the Northern Cut (Caye Caulker Channel) on December 30, 2014, and it was not until several complaints from residents and Oceana Belize that the Department of Environment (DOE) released information on the grounding. But the removal operation did not take place until eight months after the accident and there has been no indication as to who the vessel belongs too. The 40-foot, blue and red steel hull sail boat was removed by Island Construction Company Limited, who was contracted by the DOE. The operation took about two and a half hours, as the operation was not only to remove the vessel but also salvage as much as possible. Upon removal, the vessel was hauled away to a secure location until DOE can complete its prosecution case against the owner, who will be required to pay compensation for the damages to the reef.

Kent Gabourel wins third consecutive Lionman Triathlon Championship!
In an epic display of athletics, Kent “Bob” Gabourel obtained his third consecutive win at the 16th Annual Lionman Triathlon held on Sunday, August 30th in Belize City. The Lionman Triathlon is one of the toughest races of the year, and San Pedro was very well represented. Not only did Gabourel take first place in the male senior category, but island resident Jordan Santos also took first place in the junior division! As always, the triathlon started bright and early at 6:30AM at the Sand Lighters Promenade on Newtown Barracks, Belize City, and saw the participation of several local and international athletes in the 1500 meter swim, 40 kilometer bicycle ride and 10 kilometer run. The Lionman is divided into five categories to better accommodate all levels of athlete: male (over 18 years of age), female, junior (under 18 year of age), masters (over 40 years of age) and relay teams. The Lionman Triathlon is no easy feat, as it tests the stamina, endurance and mental strength of all its participants. Representing San Pedro at this year’s race were Kent “Bob” Gabourel, Brandon Santos, Jordan Santos, Eric Donis and Kian Ancona.

Ambergris Today

San Pedro House of Culture Opens Pirates of Belize Exhibit
Locals can recall the countless folkloric tales of pirate stories told to them by their grandparents, how they frequented the coasts of Belize. Some were to fantastic to believe while others were much closer to reality. The San Pedro House of Culture inaugurated the Pirates of Belize exhibit on Thursday, September 3, 2015, that includes educational information on how pirates and the Baymen of Belize played an important role in the early settlement of the country. Large posters, artifacts and decorative displays with information on Belize’s early settlers, pirates and the Baymen are on showcase at the House of Culture as part of the country’s September Celebrations in honor of The Battle of St. George’s Caye and Belize’s Independence.

Misc Belizean Sources

Old Benque
Twenty five years of creeping us out with its dark stories and Belizean folklore, I will never forget the part of that book when the spirit gave the woman the candle that later tuned into a femur. The first time I read the story was in high school for my Spanish class but I think I did not appreciate the book until much later when I reread it and understood it better. The book was first published in 1990 and is written in Spanish, a true work of art by David Nicolas Ruiz Puga, an educator and cultural promoter from Benque Viejo del Carmen, Cayo, Belize. It features a blend of historical events, Belizean culture and folklore and is now an iconic book in Western Belize. One of the memorable things about the book is the compilation of images sketched within its pages. I was always thrilled about them. The drawing of the skeletal spirit handing over the white candle has certainly haunted me all these years, and the rest of the drawings are equally as memorable.

Ready Call Center seeks opportunities in northern Belize
The need to hire approximately 400 persons for their expanding business has led then to the north. Ready Call Center’s new branch will be coming to Orange Walk soon. With a new outlook and energy, they have partnered with the Corozal’s Department of Youth Services to engage the youth here in discussion and opportunity. Ready Call Center will be conducting a job seminar in Corozal on Tuesday September 8th, 2015 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Corozal’s Ministry of Education Conference Room, William Schofield Street Corozal Town. Come prepared to take notes. Note: We have provided a copy of a map sighting the Ministry of Education’s Conference Room. For more information, please contact Neidi L. Rosado at 402 0440/627-2365 or visit the Department of Youth Services in Corozal Town.

Power interruption 1:00pm to 5:00pm, Saturday September 5, Belize City
Mile 3 Philip Goldson Hwy, near Brodies, to North End Estate Rd including Bella Vista, Belama PH 3 and Belama PH 4. Two 5-minute power interruptions from 1:00pm to 1:05pm and 4:55pm to 5:00pm will also affect area from North End Estate Rd to Mile 4 ½ Philip Goldson Highway, near Fen Lan. BEL to facilitate works conducted under Ministry of Works’ Flood Mitigation Project.

Power interruption 10:00am to 12:00midday, Tuesday, September 8, Corozal
San Victor, Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, San Roman, Estrella, Libertad, San Narciso, Luisville, Concepcion, Aventura, San Pedro, Cristo Rey, Yo Chen, Patchakan and Chan Chen. BEL to replace equipment at the San Pedro, Corozal Substation.

La Isla Cariñosa Academy Caye Caulker GRAND OPENING - Monday, September 14, 2015
Two years ago, we submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Education to open a new school on Caye Caulker. On January 2015, we received our license to open our school. The idea of opening this new school is not only/just a school, anyone can open a school, any one can lead or administrate a school. But, our pledge to the Ministry of Education and to the Caye Caulker community is to establish a school of demonstration, demonstrating excellence with consideration to the environment, climate change, and sustainable development and to develop each student to maintain a positive, intelligent character. I, Alberto Luis August, with my faculty and staff of LICA, will ensure that each student of LICA receives a quality education which surpasses the expectation of the norm and that of our national standards. My vision of LICA goes beyond that of the average leader. My vision of LICA is to provide a service to our Caye Caulker children which reflects that of international standards.

First Friday Tres Cocos Trash Pick Up
Our intrepid First Friday Tres Cocos Trash Pick Up crew this morning! We got the road and beach looking good and finished with iced coffee and cookies at Marbucks with chilled eucalyptus scented towels from Miss Rose! Roxie from the environmental activist group Oceana joined us today!

CUSTOMS TRIO BUSTED
Twenty-fiver-year-old Leslie Stains, from a Belize City address; Dubian Montero, 32-years-old from Bullet Tree in the Cayo District, and 19-year-old Raylie Usher from Hattieville, all custom officers, were jointly charged for the crime of extortion in the Corozal District. According to police reports, the three customs officers working in Consejo Village were detained on allegations of extortion. BMG was made to understand that the custom officers intercepted a resident of Consejo Village with un-costumed goods from the Mexican side on the Consejo Bay. The resident claims that the three officers demanded money from them to avoid being detained and having his goods confiscated.

Expo Belize Market Place will be held this weekend
Saturday September 5th and Sunday Sep. 6th, 2015 at the ITVET Grounds on Freetown Road in Belize City from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on both days. You can buy your tickets in advance. Those who buy their tickets in advance can enter through the ITVET Gate on Freetown Road. Attached is a list of exhibitors who will be at this year’s Expo. The Expo Opening Ceremony will be held on Saturday, September 5th at 11:00 a.m. in the courtyard area of the ITVET Grounds. Special Guest Speaker will be U.S. Ambassador to Belize Mr. Moreno. The Agenda of the Opening Ceremonies is below.

East Indian Cultural Pageant. Don't Miss it!
Corozal, Sep 5th. Beginning at 7:00 pm. at the CCC Auditorium, the Miss East Indian Cultural Pageant will be taking place. Come and see 7 beautiful young ladies vying for the prestigious title of Miss East Indian. General Admission: $10 & Admission & Food: $25. Ticket entitles you to dance the night away to the wonderful sounds of Cool Rebels (formerly Coolie Rebels) all the way from PG! Come and have some good fun as you support your favorite candidate!

BAY Donate School Supplies
The Belmopan Active Youths donated school supplies to 8 Belmopan area primary schools. Thanks, BAY! "Today BAY handed over eight Back-To-School Drive Boxes to Primary Schools in Belmopan! Huge thanks to the residents who donated the items and to the businesses where we placed the boxes (A&R, Dakers, and Angelus Press)!"

Channel 7

Outrage!: Rat Bites Newborn in Incubator at Western Regional
There is still a rat problem at the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan - and tonight, the news is about an outrageous, unprecedented, appalling incident: a rat bit a new born baby on the foot. The baby was born last night and placed in an incubator in the nursery but sometime during the early morning, the nurse saw that a rat had squirmed into the incubator and bitten the baby. That's right, a rat bit an hours old baby in an incubator! Today when we spoke to the Hospital Administrator Bernadette Seaver she told us that the rat may have entered the hospital through a newly installed AC system and then forced its way through the tube leading to the incubator. Here's how she explained it. Jules Vasquez "Explain to me, what is the situation with the newborn? There was a new born child, born yesterday to a young woman and we received a report that a rodent, a rat had bitten the newborn's foot. What do you all know about this?" Bernadette Seaver, Administrator, WRH "Yes, indeed it occurred this morning and the pediatrician was called in immediately to address the matter and look after the child. The pediatrician gave all clearance. The child was well taken care of and stable and mother and child are doing well and in good mood."

BEL Energy Workers Reject Mediation, Prepare For Industrial Action
BEL's Belize Energy Workers Union says it has pulled out of labour mediation and is ready for industrial action. That's the bottom line in a letter which the union sent to Minister of Labour Godwin Hulse yesterday. The tone of the letter shows resolve in their actions, and resentment for management. Today at the end of the senate meeting, we asked Labour Minister Hulse about it:.. Jules Vasquez "Minister Hulse, we've seen a letter from the Belize Energy Workers to you. It is a letter saying thanks for your help. It didn't worked. BEL showed ill will and we are abandoning it and the notice for industrial action is passed due. What are you doing about that?" Hon. Godwin Hulse, Minister of Labor "Jules thanks for question. The union is a bit frustrated they claimed and unions become frustrated because they think the process is slow. But our ministry and I in particular have been working this process on both sides and we had almost 10 meetings in the midst of everything else we have to do. We've already spoken with the union and gotten them to temper that mode and to say to them that you cannot walk away and you cannot be that industrial action is the alternative.

Senator Shoman Exposes Strong Language of Guatemalan Diplomatic Note
We've reported plentifully on the diplomatic note that the government of Belize sent to Guatemala after their navy mad an incursion into the Belize side of the Sarstoon. But what did the Guatemalans have to say in response? Today in the Senate, senator Lisa Shoman reported what was in the diplomatic note - and the response:... Hon. Lisa Shoman - The Opposition's Lead Senator "That the nation of Belize must know that the government of Belize did write a protest note to Guatemala, but it has never told its citizens that Guatemala answered that protest note. It has never said to Belizeans that the Government of Belize's diplomatic note to Guatemala called the BTV expedition the visit of a few unarmed Belizean civilians and said that it was out of prudence and restraint, and out of an abundance of caution, to avoid any possible confrontation or mishap, that the Government of Belize withheld its own armed forces from being in the vicinity of the activity.

Another Ministry of Health Hilux Stolen, But this One Recovered!
In the recent months, we've been telling you all about the troubles that the Government of Belize, particularly the Ministry of Health and NICH, have been having where thieves stole a total of 6 Government vehicles. They are all Toyota Hilux pickups, and only one has been recovered so far. Well tonight, we have a story of the 7th Hilux pick-up being stolen from the Ministry of Health's parking lot in Belmopan City. It is a 2014 hold Toyota Hilux and it was stolen last night form the ministry of health parking lot in Belmopan. This time, however, the Ministry was ready. All their Hilux's have been outfitted with GPS tracking devices and tonight it has proved instrumental in locating the stolen pickup - and, guess, what, it's right in Melchor. The better news is that the tracking device can also be used to remotely disable the ignition, so that the truck cannot start - and that has been done.

Ray Davis Back in Senate, NTUCB Blasts Him
The Senate was convened today and Labour Senator Ray Davis was right there. Now, some of us had to do a double take - because wasn't he sacked by the NUTCB? He was, but there's a wrinkle in the story - because Davis wasn't only the senator for Labour - he was also the senator for Civil Society. That's right - and it seems while Labour has had enough of him - civil society isn't complaining about senator Ray. Senator Godwin Hulse - who - in a previous life worked out the requirements for the expanded Senate gave his understanding of how it works:.. Hon. Godwin Hulse, Senator "The senator representing the union is appointed by the Governor General on the recommendation of both the NTUCB and civil society steering committee and civil society steering committee which I know that Dennis Jones for example is one of the members and he mentioned to me and I will call his name, that in fact they had not had an opportunity to speak to Mr. Davis and to give Mr. Davis a firm hearing and so the Governor General should not act on the instructions of one party only. There are two parties of that senator." Jules Vasquez "As enshrined in the constitution." Hon. Godwin Hulse, Senator "As enshrined in the constitution." Jules Vasquez "So then in your opinion although NTUCB sent out a scaling press release basically saying it's scandalous for him to have been there. You believe that he was within his rights or he was exercising his duty to be here?"

Soca Queen Ernestine Explains
Ernestine Carballo and her manager are suing a New York promoter. They say he's to blame for Ernestine having her US visa revoked. Today in an interview Ernestine told us that she was to perform at the New York Belize Caribbean ParkFest in New York tomorrow but she won't be able to attend that event or any event in the US for that matter until her visa is renewed. She told us that she left for New York on August 27th on a connecting flight to Atlanta on Delta. But when she arrived in Atlanta, the authorities stopped her, detained her and interrogated her because she did not have her return ticket or the right visa to work or perform in the US. Today she told us that it was up to the promoter in New York to ensure that all her travel documents were set but according to Ernestine - they didn't do their job. Ernestine Carballo "It's because of not knowing, because honestly I did not know. I thought that everything would have been okay. When we check that Delta, the promoter bought the cheapest ticket with no insurance and I only had the one way stub, so they first thing, they pulled me across and ask where is your return ticket and they started to interrogate me from that point.

Teck's Legal Bills Substantial
Back in January, Lucilo Teck, a veteran cane farmer from the north, made national headlines when he took on the administrators of the Sugar Cane Industry, the Sugar Industries Control Board (SICB), to court. He was trying to compel them to declare the 2014-2015 sugar season open, despite the fact that the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association had not signed any commercial agreement with the factory owners, American Sugar Refineries. Well, yesterday's edition of the Guardian Newspaper reports that he is now on the line for a legal huge bill of $60,000. A few weeks after he filed his lawsuit, the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association broke up and some of the members formed 2 separate associations. What was left of the Belize Sugar Cane Farmers Association along with these 2 new associations all signed the disputed agreements with the factory owners and the cane season was declared open. That basically rendered Lucilo Teck's lawsuit inconsequential because he was basically asking the court to decide on an issue which was already resolved. He and his attorney, Audrey Matura-Shepherd, moved forward with the case and pressed the SICB to offer a defense, the reason they said, was so that a precedent could be set. The intention, Teck's attorney explained, was to ensure that there is no doubt as to what must happen if there is ever a stand off between the cane farmers and the factory owners in the future, which could potentially wreck the industry.

Coast Guard and Family Of Missing Men Make Peace
The Coast Guard is now investigating the case of the 3 Belize City fishermen lost at sea. 20-year-old Donovan Usher, 29-year-old Giovanni Murrillo, and 33-year-old Jerome Bowen left for Turneffe Island on Thursday morning on a one day fishing trip. They have not returned. As you heard yesterday the family believes that the Coast Guard may be involved. That's because the men have a history of bitter encounters with the Coast Guard - involving a shooting incident where Giovanni Murrillo allegedly fired on the Coast Guard out at sea in February of this year. Murrillo walked free for that case and the family say that since then the guys have been receiving threats from the Coast Guard. Well, when we spoke to the family today they told us that they are more hopeful now because they met with the Coast Guard today and the case is now being handled by the higher up's in the CG. We will keep you updated on this story.

General: Guatemalan Fishers Hard To Tackle
Yesterday, we gave you extensive coverage of our interview with General David Jones as he discussed the recent meeting that he had with a Guatemalan Navy Admiral, in the wake of the Sarstoon Incident. We also asked him about the Guatemalan fishers who poach in Belizean waters near the mouth of the Sarstoon River. You'll remember that's the situation which is difficult to deal with because as you saw - our Daniel Ortiz tried to catch them himself, and wound up stuck in waist deep mud. The General said that this pretty much the difficulty that his soldiers face when they tried to catch the fishermen, but that they make it a point to try to do so just because: General David Jones, BDF Commander "Whenever our patrols go into the area, if we see any fisherman and is operating inside Belizean waters, we do something about it. We don't just pass through and as you have seen on the news footage I think even yourself when you pursue these guys they have small vessels.

When Will We Know Who Killed Danny
And in another matter of national security, it's been a while since we've had any meaningful updates on the investigation into the murder of Belizean Lawman Danny Conorquie. As viewers remember, he was killed in September of Last year as he was on duty while trying to protect the tourists who visit the Caracol Archaeological Site in remote western Belize, very near to the Belize- Guatemala border. His killers are suspected - but not confirmed - to be of Guatemalan Nationality. We got an opportunity last week to speak with Assistant Police Commissioner Aaron Guzman, and we asked him if his Guatemalan counter parts, who are really the ones handling the investigation, are taking the case seriously. Here's what he had to say about that, and the latest developments: ACP Aaron Guzman, Western Regional Commander "That investigation is being done by a specific group. The recent meeting that they had, because we have help from our counterparts in neighboring Guatemala, they were looking for a specific person to interview for us and give us a feedback. We haven't had it. so far we expect that within the next 3-4 weeks when they meet, we shall get some information if they did get that person and interview that person for us."

Victimizing Victims of Human Traffic
While we had the opportunity, we had to ask about the 10 Cuban Nationals who were caught in the Cayo District - after entering Belize illegally. It has the trappings of human trafficking, but that is not confirmed because there is no hard evidence to confirm that. We asked the Western Regional Commander is they are charging Cubans for illegal entry when they are actually victims of human traffic: ACP Aaron Guzman, Western Regional Commander "Okay, there were two instances where Cubans were detained. I believe in both instances there were 5 persons and this was done in the area of Benque Viejo. The matters are before the court. It has become an immigration matter. Initially it started as a police matter because we were the ones who were doing the patrol when they were found and they were found in Belize. They obviously came from Guatemala. Exactly where they were heading we don't know. It is left for speculation. But they were detained, they were taken to court and then the court will decide will be done to them if they are deported back to Cuba or they will return to Guatemala.

Making Manatees Safer
Quite often in our newscast, we've showed you how endangered Antilean manatees end up dead in Belizean waters. Usually, it's because they fell under the propellers of boats being driven by captains who aren't being careful. For a population under threat, the situation is beyond critical. So, the Government and the Conservationists put together a conference to get the tour guides and boat captains from the different companies in the same room. That's because they want the boat drivers to take more care while on the waters. We spoke with chief manatee advocate, Jamal Galvez, and he told us that he's encouraged by the overwhelming response from the tourism community: The discussion ended at 4 p.m. this afternoon, with the participants receiving a certificate to note their interest in this very serious matter.

Rat Bite Revisited
As we told you at the top of the news, the unthinkable happened: a rat bit a baby inside an incubator unit at the western regional Hospital. The child had been born just hours earlier - and was put in the unit because of a respiratory infection. But when the nurse went to check, a rate was inside the incubator with the baby! Worse than that - the rate had already bitten the newborn and punctured flesh on his toe. IT's unbelievable but true. The hospital administrator Benadette Seaver told us how the rat got into the incubator:.. Bernadette Seaver, Administrator, WRH "The rats was found inside the incubator and immediately the rat was removed and exterminated/killed and the child was looked after. We suspected that the rat squeeze its way through the tube venting in the incubator and it was found inside the incubator and every effort is being made to figure where the rat came from, because the room was recently cleaned thoroughly and we were in heighten lookout for rodents, because we are still on the campaign to control the rat population here at the hospital."

When A Book Is Art
Binomium: in mathematics it refers to the expression of the sum or the difference of two terms. Well, for the Image Factory - it is more than just a mathematical concept. It is the title of two new books launched this morning at the Image Factory. Director Yasser Musa and Belizean artist Michael Gordon along with others worked on this project for 3 years. The result is two hard bound books - one dedicated to Musa's work and the other to Gordon's. Although both artists have their own style and voice, today they told us that both books combined depict a beautifully shocking narrative about Belize's history. The books will also be launched in Barcelona, Spain, Merida and Beijing, China this year.

Take A Walk On The Southside...
Recently, the newly reconfigured Eastern Police Division has been making the news quite a lot as Senior Superintendent Chester Williams has been going around to the different gang neighborhoods to try to improve their relations with the community. Yesterday, we found Williams on his tour with his counterpart from Eastern Division North, Assistant Police Commissioner Dezerie Phillips. They were on their way to talk to residents living in the areas of George Street and surrounding areas where gang affiliates have a tight hold. We asked them about how it was going, and here's what the two commanders had to say: So, what being done about George Street? That area, as you may have noticed, has been dormant recently, but under the calm sits a rift between 2 factions in that gang. We're told that this gang has been the toughest group of persons that Commander Chester Williams has had to deal with recently. He gave us an update:

Keeping Kelly Street In The Mix
This evening, Mayor Darrell Bradley, who is also the UDP candidate for Caribbean Shores, invited the media out to the opening of a space in that constituency which he hopes will be a safe haven for youths living near by. It's called the Carlos Perdomo Empowerment Center, so named after the Former Area Rep., who was elected office before Santiago Castillo Jr. This center sits right on Kelly Street, which in terms of voting numbers, is an important if overlooked part of the otherwise quite affluent Caribbean Shores division. So, the media had to ask the Mayor if he's trying to score a few political points with the residents of that neighborhood who are trying to keep their children safe. Here's what he had to say:

COLA, Gone Blue?
Yesterday, we showed you an excerpt from the Press Conference that COLA, held to pressure Government to build a forward operating base on Sarstoon Island. They have printed T-Shirts which they want you to wear to show your support for the push to build the Base. Their event was just under 1 hour and 20 minutes or so, but due to time constraints, we only showed you the tail end of the question and answer section of the event. Tonight, we have bit more from that event in which the 3 main speakers gave lengthy presentations. Here are a few excerpts of their comments: As we told you last night, we discovered a very peculiar symbol on one of COLA's fancy new banners. It reads "#GoBlue" and that suggests that they are one with the Opposition PUP. COLA President Giovannie Brackett asserted to us today that it was a simple oversight, which does not means what the texts suggests. Here's how he explained it:

Principal Policarpia Pech Puts Up A Fight
Since last week Friday, we've been telling you about the dispute between the teachers and parents of Faith Nazarene Primary School and the current principal, Policarpia Pech. They want her removed, and they have a long list of reasons why they say that they've lost confidence in her ability to manage the school properly. Well, since speaking with Love News during last weekend, she's gone on the offensive, ATTACKING the Management, making it clear that she will not be removed without a fight. In her interview with Love FM, Pech characterized the complaints against her as "fabricated lies, hearsay and mischief". She's also instructed her attorney to sue anyone who tries to repeat them. Today, 7News received a copy of a letter today in which her lawyer, Michel Chebat, writes to General Manager Raymond Shepherd, warning him that she will sue him and the Nazarene Management.

Canada Downs Belize In World Cup Qualifier
Today in Toronto Canada, the Belize Jaguars lost three nil to the Canadian Men's' National Team. The Canadians one goal in the first half, and two in the second - against a Belize defence - which was undermined by a midfield which was slow to rotate to the corners. Now, the National Team returns home for the return match at the FFB Field on Tuesday where the Jaguars need to score at least three goals - which would force a penalty - or four goals clear, which would make us qualify. And they have to make sure Canada does not even score goal. Not an easy task - but just like tonight's game - you'll be able to see that one live on Channel 7 on Tuesday night at 8:00.

Channel 5

First Rodent Infestation, Now Rat Bites Newborn Baby at Western Regional Hospital
The game between Belize and Canada has just concluded in Toronto, Canada and we’ll have a recap coming up. But in April, this station broke the news of a massive [...]

New DHS Says There’s Critical Need for New Hospital in Belmopan
According to Figueroa, the bottom line is that there is a critical need for a new hospital in the Capital since the current hospital is the regional facility for the [...]

Union Senator Ray Davis Attends Senate Meeting Despite NTUCB’s Objection
The Senate met this morning in Belmopan following the House meeting on Wednesday which was primarily convened for passage of the Electricity Acquisition Settlement Bill. The House approved seventy million [...]

Darrell Bradley on Campaign Trail in Caribbean Shores
Prime Minister Barrow is on record saying that voters will be heading to the polls in the early part of 2016. While he is holding that date close to his [...]

Who Will Be the Next Mayor Should Bradley Win in General Elections?
Belize City Mayor, Darrell Bradley, is yet to win the Caribbean Shores elections; in fact, a date for the elections is still not known. But Bradley says he is putting [...]

Do Residents of Caribbean Shores Pay More in Property Taxes?
Are residents of the Caribbean Shores paying significantly more in property taxes than others elsewhere in Belize City? It’s an assertion that Mayor Bradley’s political opponent, Kareem Musa, has made [...]

Canada Defeats Belize 3-0 in World Cup Qualifier
The Jaguars played against the Canadian team this evening at the BMO Stadium in Toronto. The game ended a while ago with the Canadian team penetrating the Belize defense and [...]

35 Schools to Benefit from CDB Loan
This past Wednesday, all eyes were on the Fortis settlement, but there were other significant matters which passed through the House. One was a motion for approval for a Caribbean [...]

Additional High Schools Will Be Built Across the Country
Faber took some time to list all the areas which will benefit from the construction of pre-schools, primary schools and secondary schools…stretched out all across the country in answer to [...]

Rick Chambers Pleads Guilty to Robbery
Eighteen year old Rick Chambers is serving his first night of a three-month jail term behind bars after pleading guilty to the robbery of a cell phone belonging to Luis [...]

34 Manatees Died from Boat Accidents in 2014
For years now, the Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute, through the Belize Manatee Conservation Program, has been creating awareness on the death of manatees caused by boaters in no [...]

Tour Guides and Boat Captains Educated on Manatees
The workshop, organized by the Belize Tourism Board, is a certification course for the tour guides and boat captains. There is a need for this says, Galvez, because stakeholders in [...]

Resource Center’s Third Iteration on Kelly Street
A resource center on Kelly Street, which is on the fringes of Caribbean Shores in Belize City, opened today for the third time. The center initially opened when Carlos Perdomo [...]

Mas Camp Concludes with Five Bands
Mas Camps for the Carnival Road March 2015 concluded with a bang on Thursday night in Belize City. The remaining bands were visited by three of five international judges, who [...]

Carnival Association Addresses Violent Incidents
But the mas camps were not without incidents. On Wednesday night there were several violent fights and threats made between rivaling gangs in proximity of one particular camp. The GSU [...]

Yasser and Michael Launch Binomium
The fusion of two artistic minds, functioning on different wavelengths, yet collectively taken as one creative product is the reason for Binomium’s existence. The two-part publication, which focuses on the [...]

Mr. Program Fresh Out of the Studio
In time for the celebrations, Mister Program is releasing a new video for his new track, “Dem Shoulda Know.” The artist, who is popularly known for his hit single, “See [...]

LOVE FM

Talks between BEWU and BEL breaks down
The Belize Energy Workers Union has written a letter to Labor Minister, Godwin Hulse. In that letter, the President of the union, Marvin Mora expresses appreciation to Hulse for his attempt to solve the differences between the union members and Belize Electricity Limited. Mora writes quote, “However, we are now of the view that we […]

NTUCB says Ray Davis no longer its Senator despite his appearance at meeting
A special sitting of the senate was held today in Belmopan and Senator Ray Davis was present. We were shock to see him there especially since we were told that the congress of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize had met and decided to remove and replace Senator Davis. We were not the only […]

Senator Lisa Shoman speaks of protest note sent to Guatemala
On August 19, the Government of Belize sent a protest note to the Government of Belize in regards to the confrontation that Belizeans who went on the BTV journey to Sarstoon Island had with Guatemalan armed forces. That note was never made public but details of it was shared today by Lead Opposition Senator, Lisa […]

Education loan from CDB debated
At today’s Senate meeting, bills brought forward from the House of Representatives include the National Protected Areas System Bill 2015, Protected Areas Conservation Trust Amendment Bill 2015 and the Electricity Acquisition Settlement Bill 2015. Motions brought forward include the 7 million Belize dollar loan from the Caribbean Development Bank for the Belize Education Sector reform […]

Another vehicle stolen from the Ministry of Health compound in Belmopan.
em Cruz reporting.. “Myvette Cal, a security from the Salvapan, Belmopan is lucky to be alive after he was held up, beaten, tied up and kidnapped while on duty last night in the Ministry of Health Parking Lot. Love News understands that a gold in color Toyota Hilux was stolen in the process, belonging to […]

Two men detained for Thursday morning fire in Punta Gorda
Paul Mahung reporting… “Investigations into the fire incident have so far led police to detain two Punta Gorda men as explained by Deputy Police Commander Toledo, Clement Cacho Clement Cacho – Deputy Police Commander “In reference to the fire report made by Ms. Meredith Martinez police have since detained two male persons and they are […]

Dangriga man badly beaten, family look for answers
Harry Arzu reporting… “42 year old Leon Castillo was brutally beaten in front of a bar here in Dangriga last week Saturday morning and was left in an unconscious state. He was transported to the Southern Regional Hospital and later to the KHMH where he is currently hospitalized. Love News spoke to his mother and […]

Grenadian students explore role of CSME
Nineteen tertiary level students from Grenada are in Belize to find out more about the Caribbean Single Market and Economy. A closing ceremony took place last night and Love News spoke with Salas Hamilton from the CARICOM Secretariat. Salas Hamilton – CARICOM Secretariat “To really in a practical, in the field activity, find out what […]

Belize City Mayor responds to political opponent’s comments on taxes
Mayor Darrell Bradley says that in regards to comments made by his political opponent made Kareem Musa, that Caribbean shores pays the lion’s share of taxes in the city, Bradley says that while Caribbean shores may pay more in relation to the average person, he would not refer to it in that manner. Mayor Darrell […]

Composer Frankie Reneau in concert at the Bliss
Renowned composer and pianist Frankie Reneau is in Belize and tonight the Bliss Center for the performing arts is expected to be packed to capacity for his annual concert. Love News stopped by to find out from Reneau what is in store for the Belizean public. Frankie Reneau – Composer/Pianist “The program features quite a […]

Amandala

General elections no later than “first part of next year” – PM Barrow
The United Democratic Party (UDP) government of Prime Minister Dean O. Barrow is confident that it will secure a third term whenever general elections are called— any time before the March 2017 due date. The question then is, when will the general elections be called? Prime Minister Barrow, in response to questions from the media about the date on which he plans to hold the earlier-than-expected general elections, today said the general elections will not be called later than the first part of next year. In response to a question which referred to purported statements by the Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) that the elections will be called in November 3, 2015, PM Barrow said, “Why am I even thinking about it?” “I can’t know if my calculations have even contemplated the possibility of November 3, because I have not yet made those calculations,” Barrow said.

“Boy killer” emptied gun into tattoo customer
The never-ending gun violence in Belize City continues. At about 2:30 this afternoon, Glenford Vernon, 26, of Cran Street, was executed while getting a tattoo at a tattoo shop on Castle Street. Vernon was shot multiple times by a boy – about 15 years old – as he was sitting in a chair getting the tattoo. The youthful killer then walked out of the shop with the gun in his hand, ran into Lancaster Street and disappeared into the area. The neighbors reported that they saw two men – a boy and an older man – coming down Lancaster Street toward Castle Street, and both were on a single bicycle. They stopped a short distance from Castle Street, and the older man took out a gun and gave it to the boy.

Guat president and ex-Vice President in jail
The street movement in Guatemala City that began in April and has seen the country’s ex-Vice President Roxana Baldetti stripped of her immunity from prosecution and imprisoned amidst allegations of corruptions, continued to gather force with nation-wide calls for President Otto Perez Molina to step down, climaxing on Wednesday when Molina resigned as President. Baldetti will face trial for customs fraud, illicit association and passive bribery. Molina is also facing the same charges. Hours after he resigned, however, Molina, like his ex-vice president, was sitting in a prison cell at Matamoros prison, located on a military base in Guatemala City. Earlier this month, Molina declared: “I categorically deny and reject the accusation that I was involved (in a corruption scheme) and having received any money from that customs fraud scheme.”

3 men disappear at sea
Three Belize City men who travelled to the Turneffe Island to recover a boat for repairs last Thursday and were to return to the city that same day, have disappeared. The men were reported missing, and they are feared dead. The Coast Guard reported that they began a search for Giovanni Murillo, 29, a fisherman of Nargusta Street, Belize City; Donovan Usher, 20, a fisherman of Sarstoon Street, Belize City; and Jerome Betson, 33, a fisherman of Hyde Street, on Sunday, but so far, the effort has been in vain. Murillo’s father told Amandala in an interview today that on Thursday, August 27, his son left on a journey to Turneffe Island to recover a boat, along with his two friends, and should have returned the same day, so they only took food and water for one day. Seven days later, however, the three men have not returned, and no one seems to know where they are. The men were in a red-and-green 18-foot Mexican skiff named Twista, with a 50 HP Yamaha outboard engine.

Celebrating the life of Marcy Marie Humes
The Samuels, Humes and Neal families yesterday buried Marcy Marie Humes, 27, who was the victim of a deadly shooting on Friday night, August 28, at around 9:30 p.m., which also claimed the life of Camalote businessman Russell Hyde, Sr., 45. Hyde, his girlfriend, Humes, and an unidentified man were walking to Hyde’s house in Camalote when they were attacked by three armed men, who fatally shot Hyde and Humes. As at press time tonight, Thursday, there has been no break in the case. In our issue of Wednesday, September 2, 2015, we had inadvertently published a photo which we indicated to be that of the deceased, Marcy Humes, but which was actually the image of another young woman.

PUP leadership “is insecure and petty …thrives on hearsay and gossip …creates its own enemies …”
Tonight the youngest PUP standard bearer, Josue Carballo, joined by the OW East BYM, will be live on OUTSpoken at 8 on PUP Belize Positive Vibes TV.” So read the post from Micah Goodin, the show’s host, on his Facebook page. But that show was not to be. One hour before Goodin was supposed to take to the airwaves with his show, both he and his guest, Josue Carballo, learned that the show had been cancelled by the station’s management for no legitimate reason. Goodin, himself a very young, rising member of the PUP, was a former standard bearer for the Collet Division who was arbitrarily replaced by the present standard bearer, Yasmin Shoman. After his replacement as standard bearer for Collet, Goodin remained loyal to the PUP’s cause in his ambition to serve. He became an executive member of the PUP’s Belize Youth Movement.

Belize Bank Bulldogs, back-to-back Women’s Softball Champions
The Belize Softball Federation held its XXV National Women’s Softball Championship over the past weekend at Rogers Stadium in Belize City, where six teams, two each from Belize City, Cayo and Belize Rural, participated in a double elimination tournament, beginning on Friday night and ending on Sunday night with the final game featuring the two Belize City teams. In an action packed weekend, games began at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, resumed at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, and again on Sunday morning at 10:00 a.m. Representing Belize Rural were Double Head Cabbage and UB Black Jaguars; Cayo was represented by Unitedville’s Rebels United and Roaring Creek Grace Kennedy; and Belize City had BTL and Belize Bank Bulldogs. By Sunday evening, 4 teams had been eliminated, and the last 2 teams each had a loss on their record. Having split their first two meetings, the two city teams squared off in the championship final on Sunday evening, and it was defending champions Belize Bank Bulldogs prevailing over BTL in a well contested game in 7 innings, to repeat as champions.

BECOL Basketball Tournament rolls on in San Ignacio Town
This year’s BECOL tournament has four U-19, three U-23, 4 female, five over 35, and 9 senior teams for a total of 25 teams. Games continued on Friday night, as San Ignacio Interstellars defeated Sacred Heart College (SHC), 27-7, in the Female division. Interstellars was led by Jennifer Almazan and Abbey Halliday who scored 9 and 7 points, respectively. In a losing effort, SHC was led by Kellisha Lamb, who netted 4 pts. Game 2 saw Belmopan defeating Eagles in the Over 35 division, by the score of 50-41. Belmopan’s top scorer was Byron “Shackles” Flowers, who had the game high of 19 pts, and Arthur “Dikes” Young scored 9 pts, while Alfonso Audinett and Robert Allen scored 8 pts each. Eagles, was led by Karim Juan with 12 pts, Lupito Acosta with 10 pts, and Joseph Awe with 7 pts. In the nightcap, Tuff Enuff edged the home team, 2.50 Falcons by the score of 63-58. Tuff Enuff was led by Jamal Kelly, who netted 31 pts, while Bernard Felix scored 14 pts, and Brandon Flowers and Rico Black netted 9 and 8 pts, respectively. The home team was led by Anfernee Young with 15 pts, Nigel Martinez with 10 pts, Jerome “Diggy” Garcia with 9 pts, and Mark O’Brien with 8 pts.

Professional boxing at Wings Stop on Saturday
This coming Saturday, September 5, at Wings Stop, Mile 2 ¼ on the Philip Goldson Highway, boxing fans will be treated to the long anticipated return of professional boxing to Belize, as Clinton Tucker and the Belize Boxing Development Council will feature two well known Belize City amateur fighters, Alex Neal and Max “Pain” Williams, as they make their long overdue professional debut against fighters from Frank Martinez’s Cayo Lions Den Gym. Gates are scheduled to be open at 6:30 p.m., with the first of two amateur preliminaries getting under way at 7:00 p.m. Then, Belizean boxers make the step into professionalism, as welterweight Max “Pain” Williams, of Belize City Lions Den Gym, clashes with Eduardo Esquivel of Cayo Lions Den; and then the main event features middleweight Alex Neal of Belize City Lions Den against Robert Sandino of Cayo Lions Den.

Editorial: Absolute truth vs skilful argument
In the world of the attorney/lawyer, there is no such thing as absolute truth: what there is, above and beyond all, is skilful argument. The best attorney is the one who can marshal the best argument. The facts are secondary: absolute truth does not exist. Responding to the Sarstoon Island/Guatemala claim statement at Wednesday’s House meeting adjournment made by Opposition People’s United Party (PUP) Leader, Hon. Francis Fonseca, Prime Minister/United Democratic Party (UDP) Leader, Hon. Dean Barrow, sought to present a skilful argument in order to confound Mr. Fonseca. In the middle of his presentation, however, Mr. Barrow lost his temper and screamed across the aisle at Mr. Fonseca: “Shut up. Shut up, you empty vessel!” Now even though the Leader of the Opposition is himself an attorney, like Mr. Barrow, in his Sarstoon/Guatemala statement at the adjournment Mr. Fonseca had, uncharacteristically, entered the world of absolute truth. Guatemala represents an existential threat to Belize and Belizeans, and the Sarstoon River/Island has become an increasingly dangerous flashpoint.

From the Publisher
With your kind permission, I want to use my column today to draw your attention to the horrific Guatemala City murder of Roman Catholic Bishop Juan Gerardi in April 1998. We will use the frontispiece from Francisco Goldman’s fascinating work, THE ART OF POLITICAL MURDER (Grove Press, 2007). Hopefully, more serious readers will become interested enough to order the book for their own reading and libraries. Incidentally, in his authorized biography written by Godfrey Smith (after Bishop Gerardi’s murder), the Right Honorable George C. Price mentioned to Mr. Smith that he had met Bishop Gerardi during both of their seminary days in Guatemala. Between the late 1930s and early 1940s, Mr. Price first went to a black Catholic seminary in segregated Mississippi, then he spent a year or two at a seminary in Guatemala City. When, on a Sunday night in April, 1998, Bishop Juan Gerardi was viciously bludgeoned to death in his parish house garage in Guatemala City, one of the most sensational, controversial and momentous murder cases in contemporary Latin America began. Was it a political assassination or a sordid domestic crime? The case became a fight over the destiny of a country just emerging from decades of civil war and awash in corruption and violence. Was justice possible or was it just a quixotic dream?

The Saviors of Sarstoon
Editor Sir, “From proud Rio Hondo to old Sarstoon.” Those are the poetic words used by Samuel Haynes in our National Anthem to define our country, Belize, from north to south. Events over the past six years, however, have shown that if Mother England, the United States, Guatemala, and this administration had their own way we would own the southernmost part of the country, the Sarstoon area, on paper only. Today we know of the southern markers of Belize and the untold wealth in the deep south of our country, because a group a brave and patriotic Belizeans took the necessary steps to get to know that area of our land. That was never done or encouraged by the administration, because for more than half a decade they have conspired with the United States, Mother England, and Guatemala in every possible way to discourage us from visiting that area of our territory.

Unsung hero Samuel A. Haynes
As the September celebrations draw closer, many Belizeans are beginning to feel very patriotic and proud of their country. Some have already started to decorate their houses and business, while others prepare for Carnival, the Battle of St. George Caye and Independence Day road marches. Throughout the country many students will have already started the new school year and are accustomed to singing Belize’s National Anthem. However, many within the new generation of Belizeans are not aware of the history of this great song. The National Institute of Culture and History (NICH) provides short biographical information on various Belizean heroes and benefactors, and one such unsung hero is Mr . Samuel Alfred Hayes. According to NICH, Belize’s National Anthem, “O Land of the Free,” was written by Samuel Alfred Hayes and music was by Selwyn Walford Young, in 1963. Samuel Hayes (1898 – 1971), a social activist, was a soldier in World War 1 and along with other Belizeans soldiers fought in the colonial effort for Great Britain.

The Fortis deal saved Belize $120-$200 million: PM Dean Barrow
Today at a meeting of the House of Representatives, a bill “for an Act to facilitate the implementation of the terms of a deed of settlement between the Government of Belize and the Fortis Company” was taken through all its stages and was passed with majority support from the ruling United Democratic Party. The deal, which will reportedly be finalized on Tuesday, September 8, 2015, will see the government pay to Fortis a cash settlement of US$35 million or BZ$70 million, plus return 33.3% of BEL’s shares to Fortis, out of the 70.2% the government had acquired in nationalizing the company four years ago. The government had taken 48,454,152 ordinary shares from Fortis, and it is now returning 22,984,662 shares to them. In defending the bill, Prime Minister Dean Barrow said, “What is happening today closes the circle and represents the final vindication of the government’s policy and philosophy with respect to Belizean ownership … of the essential utility companies in this country.”

The Reporter

Ray Davis shows up to Senate, NTUCB condemns him
Senator Ray Davis showed up to Friday’s Senate Meeting, despite having been informed by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) that he has been removed as their senator, and the union has condemned his actions. Davis, who was present for the entire Sitting, which saw the passing of several Bills and Motions, voted “yes” on the Electricity Acquisition Settlement Bill. He also supported two loan motions and a supplementary Appropriation Bill.

Senator Shoman says Guatemala’s response to Belize’s protest note was disrespectful
The Guatemalan government’s response to Belize’s prostest note over the August 16th Belize Territorial Volunteer (BTV) Sarstoon island expedition was disrespectful, says People’s United Party (PUP) Senator Lisa Shoman, who revealed the contents of the confidential document at Friday’s Senate sitting. Shoman, who is also a part of the Bi-lateral Relations Committee with Guatemala, invoked her immunity as a senator to reveal the contents of Guatemala’s response, in which they rejected all of Belize’s assertions. Shoman said she believed Belizeans have a right to know what has been said by both governments.

GOB seeks approval of $124 million more in loans for education,roads
The Government of Belize, at Wednesday’s House Sitting, tabled several Bills and motions, including two for loans from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) totaling $124 million for education and road rehabilitation. The CDB Belize Education Sector Reform Program […]

Double homicide in Camalote…Russel Hyde Falls!
The murder of controversial Roaring Creek underworld figure Russell Hyde, 45, is just another chapter in an ongoing saga of violence surrounding that family. Hyde and his companion, Roaring Creek hairdresser Marcy Humes, 27, were shot multiple times as they arrived at his hilltop Camalote home around 10:00 Friday nigh, […]

Shakespearean tragedy meets Belizean reality
“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages”. The quote is from William Shakespeare’s comedy, “As You Like It”, […]

CitCo marks the start of September celebrations with flag raising
The Belize City Council held its annual flag raising ceremony at the flag monument round-a-bout on Tuesday morning, to commemorate the start of the September celebrations and activities this month. According to Mayor Darrell Bradley, the significance of replacing all the international flags that […]

FCD: Almost $40 million in lumber illegally harvested from Chiquibul
A study has revealed that almost $40 million worth of mahogany and cedar has been illegally extracted from the Chiquibul forest, and that about half of that was taken between 2010 and 2012. Friends for Conservation and Development (FCD) says illegal logging is one […]

Conflict among Muslim groups related to distinct religious beliefs
At their 49th annual world conference (Jalsa Salana) in London England, attended by 35,000 of their members, Ahmadiyya Muslims had an opportunity to reunite with one another and recommit to their beliefs. But those beliefs that hold them together are also the reason why […]

PUP not satisfied with GOB-Fortis settlement
The People’s United Party (PUP) are not as enthused about government’s US $35 million settlement with Fortis Energy Services over the nationalization of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) and have speculated there may even be some secret arrangement the government has not disclosed. The PUP […]

Youth shot and killed near home
Malik Dixon, 20, had just finished talking to his mother, Melanie Staine on his cell phone and told her he was riding home, when another youth rode up to him and shot him multiple times. The incident happened on Flambouyant Street where he lived. […]

Nationalization again?
By: Neri Briceño In June 2011, I wrote an article regarding the recent stint of nationalization the PM had just recently undertaken. It was promised that this would have been the only and final round of nationalization, but here I am again almost two years later to the day, essentially […]

Logan charged with 54 counts of theft and forgery
On Monday this week, a 72 year retiree of the Button Wood Bay area claimed he is the r victim of a theft where a Button Wood Bay mechanic stole more than $6,000 in cash from his personal Scotia Bank account within a two-week […]

BBS labeling price changes
Liquor importers who bring in Whiskey, Gin, Vodka, and Tequila, will now have to pay an additional 25 cents on the market labels for these products according to the Belize Bureau of Standards (BBS). The Supplies Control Unit of the BBS announced this week that […]

Tourism Minister: Tax discrepancy between hotels and “live-aboard” operations being resolved
An ongoing dispute between hoteliers, primarily in the south and operators of “live-aboard” catamaran charters is being worked on with a view to finding some common ground in due course, says Minister of Tourism, Manuel Heredia. Heredia told The Reporter that he has received […]

Editorial
At a press conference in Belize City last Monday Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that the government of Belize had reached a settlement with Fortis of Canada over compensation for Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). The Government of Belize moved to nationalize BEL in 2011, after the company revealed that it […]

High speed chase in the Sarstoon? BDF Commander says NO!
The images of a BDF boat running at high speed out of the Sarstoon, closely followed by a Guatemalan naval vessel, which seems to be in hot pursuit, have incensed many Belizeans. But BDF Commander Brigadier-General David Jones has said that the images are being misrepresented, and there was no […]

National Bank Belize City branch officially opens
The National Bank Belize City branch was officially inaugurated at an opening ceremony Thursday morning at its new location at 53 Regent Street. Prime Minister Dean Barrow said he was extremely happy to announce the opening of the new branch of the “people’s bank”, […]

Guatemalan president resigns! PM hopes instability won’t affect Belize/Guatemala relations
Guatemalan President, Otto Perez Molina resigned at midnight on Friday, and Belize’s Prime Minister Dean Barrow has expressed hope that Guatemala’s instability does not lead to further contention in the volatile Sarstoon island area in southern Belize. “While it is worrying, given our particular circumstances, […]

PUP meets with G-11 to iron out differences; convention date tentatively set
While the internal wranglings in the opposition People’s United Party (PUP) over the party’s leadership have subsided, the issues of contention between the “G-11” and the party remain on the discussion table. On Tuesday of this week, the two persons selected to represent the group […]

Breaking Belize News

Boat owners trained to protect manatees
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) and Coastal Zone Management Authority and Institute (CZMAI) along with the Belize Port Authority and other stakeholders are working on a plan to completely eradicate incidents of deaths of the gentle manatee in Belizean waters, mostly from collisions with boats. The CZMAI and […]

Jaguars drop first game in Canada
The Belize Jaguars faced off against Canada’s National Football team on Friday evening starting shortly after 5:30 p.m. The first half of the game saw Canada dominating control of the ball, going into half time leading the tally 1-0 as the Belize side went back to playing the […]

Coast Guards arrested for extortion
Twenty-fiver-year-old Leslie Stains, from a Belize City address; Dubian Montero, 32-years-old from Bullet Tree in the Cayo District, and 19-year-old Raylie Usher from Hattieville, all coast guards, were jointly charged for the crime of extortion in the Corozal District. According to police reports, the three coast guards working […]

PM hints at election date, talks PetroCaribe
General elections are right around the corner but a specific date has still not been set. Some have speculated it will be in late October while others predict early November, but Prime Minister Dean Barrow told the media on Thursday that the election can be called anytime in the next […]

Rat bites new born at the Western Regional Hospital
Information reaching our newsroom indicates that earlier today a rat inflicted bite wounds to a new born child, who was inside an incubator at the Western Regional Hospital. Information is still sketchy but we will have an update as the information becomes available. The information available suggests that sometime today […]

First time robber given reduced sentence
28 year old Rick Chambers is headed to jail for the next 90 days, charged with the robbery of a touch screen cellular phone which has a value of $325, after Chief Magistrate Ann Marie Smith took his guilty plea. Chief Magistrate Smith said she gave him the […]

Davis shows up to Senate without union support
Senator Ray Davis showed up to today’s senate meeting despite having been informed by the National Trade Union Congress of Belize (NTUCB) that he no longer represents them, and the union has called him out. Davis, who was present for the whole meeting voted yes on the passing of several […]

Shoman says Guatemala doesn’t respect Belize
Guatemala has responded to Belize’s prostest note over the August 16th Belize Territorial Volunteer (BTV) Sarstoon island expedition and has rejected all of Belize’s claims. People’s United Party (PUP) Senator Lisa Shoman, at Friday’s Senate Sitting, revealed the contents of the confidential letter saying she believed the people have a […]

Assisted living facility opens in Ladyville
The end of life can be lonely and even painful, but reaching out for help can get you past your challenges. That help is now available from the Breadfruit Gardens Assisted Living Facility, which will open to the public later this evening. Before then, BMG was the first […]

Guinea Grass RC boasts 2 news classrooms
This morning, two new classrooms were inaugurated at the Guinea Grass RC School marking a symbolic achievement for the institution and its student population. The dream was made possible by the humanitarian Group, HEFY (Humanitarian Experience For Youth) from Provo, Utah in the USA. A total of […]

Artists team up for “Binomium”
The Image Factory today hosted the launch of a cooperative work between prolific artists Yasser Musa and Michael Gordon. The two-book graphic project titled “Binomium”, from the mathematical term for the sum or difference of two terms, is collated by Yucatan colleague Moises Martinez and promoted by mentor […]

Mainly fair and warm conditions expected for the weekend
In today’s weather forecast, mainly fair and warm conditions will continue today with a slight increase in moisture expected over the South. The National Meteorological Service of Belize predicts mostly sunny skies with a few cloudy spells and isolated showers or thunderstorms throughout the course of the day. Tonight, skies […]

Students learn about Caribbean Single Market and Economy
How does the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) factor into everyday life and business in Belize? That’s what 19 tertiary level students from Grenada travelled to Belize to find out. The visit is a part of the CSME mission, where students get to travel and evaluate, first hand, how […]

Belize 12-1 underdog vs Canada
According to TSN of Canada, British bookmaker William Hill lists Belize as 12-to-1 underdogs against Canada going into their qualifying match this evening. The Canadians beat Belize in 2004 during 2006 World Cup qualifying and sit 26 places higher in the world rankings, but they know better than not to […]

Police looking for one suspect in afternoon City murder
Police at Eastern Division (North) confirmed late Thursday evening that 25 year old Glenford Vernon of Cran Street, Belize City, died in hospital after being shot near a tattoo shop on Castle Street. They are now seeking one person as part of their investigations. Around 1:45 in the afternoon, Vernon […]

Belizean fishermen still missing at sea
The families of 20 year old Donovan Usher; 29 year old Giovanni Murillo, and 33 year old Jerome Bowen have yet to return from a visit to Turneffe Island last Thursday for fishing. Family members told 7 News that at least two of the men have claimed that after winning […]

Blogs

Tagging Giant Tarpon In Belize: These Fish Are Important Yet Shockingly Mysterious
FLY FISHING IS HUGE IN BELIZE! Fishermen from around the world flock to the flats of our country for the “Grand Slam” – catching the permit, the bonefish and the tarpon all in one trip. And a few do…and have the pictures to prove it. Fly fishermen are easy to spot. Usually as soon as he or she deplanes in San Pedro. Metal fly rod tubes covered in stickers touting far off fly-fishing lodges in places like Christmas Island and Cuba, technical clothing from head to toe to cover their pale skin – pants that unzip into shorts, everything easy-dry, hats with flaps and always some sort of mixture of a cravat/turtleneck/bandito mask. Now that you know how to spot the fisher folk, let me get to the real topic – something not so easy to spot. The largest of “The Grand Slam” BY far, the mysterious tarpon. A fish that grows to up to 75 years old. Up to 250lbs. Breathes oxygen from the air. And is lucky enough to be deemed “not good eats” – bony, oily and just…fishy. But because of that fact, we don’t know much about them. They migrate…but where? Since they are so valued as game fish (CATCH and RELEASE only in Belize) because of their beauty and acrobatic fight, the research has started to find out more about these silver giants. A few weeks ago, a group of fly fishers assembled at the famous El Pescador Lodge on Ambergris Caye to officially tag some of the large migratory fish. In collaboration with scientists at the University of Miami, they hope to gather as much data as possible from fish around the Caribbean and around the world. To help protect them for years to come…

Things to do in Belize & Top Reasons to visit this Autumn!
Put away the leaf blower and try some of Belize’s healthy autumn activities to prepare for winter with a new outlook on life. The summer holidays are all but over, kids are going back to school, life is settling into those shorter autumn days and the air is getting cooler. What better time to think about a Belizean sojourn to chase those end-of-summer blues, prepare for the months ahead and perhaps even hone or pick up a new interest like horseback riding, canoeing, bird watching, brushing up on Spanish (bi-lingual western Belize being perfect for it) or channelling your inner Indiana Jones with ancient Maya temple and sacred cave exploration. There’s something about the autumn crisp weather that translates into energy, and we suggest putting it to good use by taking some time out for personal growth and exploration while indulging in a healthy holiday, on your own of with that special someone or group you’d like to share with. With this in mind, we’d like to share our checklist for chasing the end-of-summer-blues.

International Sources

Canada takes care of business against Belize
Canada all but booked its spot in the fourth round of CONCACAF qualification for the 2016 FIFA World Cup following a 3-0 win over Belize on a gorgeous Friday night before 10,412 fans at BMO Field. Tosaint Ricketts was the star of the show, bagging a pair of goals for Canada, who now holds the distinct advantage over Belize going into the second leg. Atiba Hutchinson also scored for Canada. This is a two-game CONCACAF qualifier with the winner based on aggregate score moving on. Canada just needs a draw in the return match next Tuesday in the Belize capital of Belmopan to advance to the fourth round. A 2-0 loss is also good enough for Canada. Belize needs a four-goal win in the second leg. Canada was clearly the better side, and it was one-way traffic for most of the match. Still, it was a bit of a laboured performance for Canada, especially against a Belize team that only boasts three full-time professional players—the majority of their players have other jobs.

1st Annual See & Taste Belize Festival
Friends in USA and Abroad - Mark your calendar! Tickets for the 1st Annual See & Taste Belize Festival in Miami, Florida are on-sale now! Visit www.seeandtastebelize.com to purchase your tickets, become a sponsor, and/or make a donation! Sounds Exciting!!!

Project management gains a foothold at development banks
Project management has its roots in industries known for building big, complex things – industries like engineering, construction and defense. When software became integral to making the world work, the technology industry joined the ranks. But now, project management is showing up in industries and applications not normally associated with this profession, and is directly enabling the most effective means of reducing poverty, eliminating inequality, improving healthcare and education, and ultimately changing lives. The types of projects IDB supports span a broad geography and vary widely in complexity and focus area of improvement. A recently completed Decentralization and Local Government Strengthening project in Suriname, for example, has further enabled districts to do their own financial administration, increasing efficiency and eliminating the need to travel to regional offices for approval on even the smallest of purchases. Another example is an Agricultural Services program in Belize, designed to help the country expand beyond its traditional reliance on exports of sugar, citrus and bananas by accessing new markets through investments in agricultural innovation and better management of plant, animal and food safety risk.

Kraft expands recall of cheese singles
Kraft Heinz is expanding a recall of Kraft Singles products, saying a problem with the packaging film affects 10 times as many cases as it first thought. The company recalled 335,000 cases Thursday because a thin strip of packaging film may stick to the slice after the wrapper has been taken off, creating a choking hazard. Kraft Heinz recalled 36,000 cases on July 31 for the same reason. The privately held company said it's received two new reports of customers choking. It disclosed three such reports in July, and said it had received seven other complaints about the packaging. The recall covers 1-, 3- and 4-pound Kraft Singles American and White American cheese product with "Best When Used by Dates" ranging from Dec. 12 to March 2. The products were sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico, and 10 other countries and territories: Anguilla, the Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Grand Cayman, Netherlands Antilles, St. Kitts and Nevis, South Korea, St. Lucia, and the British Virgin Islands.

Striving to preserve the legacy of Cousteau
Before former Vice President Al Gore and scientists around the world began alerting us to the threats to our environment there was Jacques Cousteau, a French explorer, scientist, oceanographer and film maker who sailed the oceans of the world on his ship Calypso, a World War ll minesweeper which he converted to a floating oceanic laboratory. Richard Hyman of Weston made several trips as a crew member on the Calypso between 1974 and 1979 and on a summer day took time out to reflect on his unlikely but fascinating story about those adventerous years. Now a corporate executive, author and lecturer, Hyman recalls, ”It was 1973 and my father was a business associate of Cousteau at the time (he later became a co-founder of the Cousteau Society). I had just graduated Weston High School, and one day he said, ‘I’m going to Los Angeles, would you like to come?’ I had always been interested in sailing and boating. When I met Captain Cousteau he was a real presence, about six feet tall, lean and strong. He told me he needed a driver to bring a truckload of materiel from LA to Saskatchewan for a rare land based expedition. It was a long ride, but I said yes. My companion on the trip was Ivan, who spoke no English but we managed.” Hyman would go on to become a qualified diver as Calypso sailed the oceans of the world filming manatees in Florida, the Incredible Migration of the Spiney Lobster off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula or diving for scientific samples and filming the spawning of thousands of grouper near the 180-mile Belize barrier reef.

Videos

Maya Mountain Lodge & Tours, San Ignacio, Belize, 2min.

Alexandra + Jason Highlights, 3min. Outdoor Wedding at San Ignacio, Belize Hosted by San Ignacio Resort Hotel

Alexandra + Jason Teaser,1.5 min. Outdoor Wedding at San Ignacio, Belize Hosted by San Ignacio Resort Hotel

Feeding Frenzy Turtles, Rays and Nurse Sharks in Belize, 5.5min. Palm Beach Realtor was diving 21 miles off shore in Belize next to the barrier reef. We were only in 10 feet of water, but 100 yards away the wall dropped to over 3000 feet. The local Belizeans were processing their catch and it turned into a feeding frenzy. The turtles clearly won!

Belize 2013. Sea Sports Belize, 57min. Diving in Belize with Sea Sports Belize.

Baird's Tapir at Belize Zoo, 1min.

September 4, 2015

The National Bank of Belize Ltd. Belize City Branch was officially opened today.
Photos

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

Toledo: Land of Adventure, Beauty and Culture!
I fell in love this summer…a different kind of love…the kind that re-opens your eyes and makes you feel a sense of pride, child-like excitement, and even a sense of calm and peace when you lay your head at night. My Beautiful Belize is about exploring and finding the beauty in our country. Luckily, I got the chance to travel to one of the least explored areas of Belize, and through a series of fortunate events, was able to have one utterly stunning stay in the Toledo District. There were so many words that stood out to me about this two-day adventure: Kind, Genuine, Charming, Adventurous, Beautiful…and best of all, Proud. The moment I found out I needed to be in Blue Creek Village to be a guest speaker at the Peace Corps’ GLOW Camp 2015; I needed to come up with an itinerary. Traveling to the end of the country is usually time consuming, but with Tropic Air flying regularly to the main town Punta Gorda, that time (usually feels like a day’s travels) was cut to two hours. What to do?! I had to make the most of this trip!

Minister of National Security Honorable John Saldivar visits Island Police formation
The Minister of National Security, Honorable John Saldivar paid an official visit to the Eastern Police Division, which includes Caye Caulker and San Pedro police formations. On Wednesday, August 26th Saldivar visited San Pedro where he toured the San Pedro police facilities and had a few words with the police officers. The Minister also toured the areas of responsibility that the police patrol on a daily basis, which took him to the outskirts of the island, and he also met with community members in efforts to foster good police/community relations. The Police Department has an arduous task in maintaining order in their particular communities; however a key role in the motivation of great work has to do with the quality of working and living conditions. “We have looked at various areas of deficiencies which need to be improved. One of the key things out here in San Pedro and Caye Caulker is residential quarters for the police officers. We must keep morale high, and part of it is proper living conditions under which police officers have to work and so the way forward is to try and improve that.” He noted the importance of touring the different police facilities and the communities. “Seeing it first hand and having the officers walk along with me to the various spots of interest and being able to see for myself what they are going through, it definitely gives me a better perspective and it make you understand more the plight of both police officers and the community,” ended Saldivar.

Early-year Avian Influenza outbreak causes egg prices to rise
After an outbreak of Avian Influenza (H5N2) early this year that resulted in an estimated $3 million loss for poultry farms in the Spanish Lookout Community, the Belizean population is now starting to feel the financial effect. Since June 2015 residents had been reporting a shortage in egg supply and now the Belize Poultry Association has confirmed a 17% raise in the price of eggs. The price markup is the result of over 86,000 birds being put down due to contamination, which severely affected the farmers’ inventory. The Belize Agriculture Health Authority (BAHA) identified the outbreak of H5N2 in two poultry farms in Spanish Lookout since January 2015. Since the initial detection, intensive testing of over 75,000 birds across the area was carried out, which resulted in positive cases in 12 poultry farms. The infected samples were initially limited to poultry from the broiler breeder section of the farm, but as the month progressed, chicken used for direct consumption also started showing signs of infection. To avoid human contamination, all birds showing signs of infection were put down.

Ambergris Today

This is How You Unplug in Belize
In a time when it is so hard to detach from your mobile devices, finding activities that allow you some true experiences without having to instantly connect and post something on Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram are difficult to come by. I am guilty of burying my head into my smart phone and detaching myself from reality. But let me tell you about one of my favorite destinations that My Traveling Feet just love to visit and UNPLUG! The best part is that you will not even miss being hooked up to Wifi!! Half Moon Caye is one of my favorite cayes (islands) in Belize. It is simply gorgeous, lush with and endless view of coconut trees and quiet to only the natural sounds of the crashing waves on the coral reef literally just steps away from the beach. The sounds of the palm trees swaying in the breeze and the chirping of the Booby and Frigate Birds high above are soothing. Listen closely and you can actually hear the hermit crabs making their way across the natural paths and the scramble of iguanas through the fallen leave as you make your way to the Booby Bird Sanctuary. So there is no time to panic about the nearest wifi spot, because there isn’t any around. Guess what, you will be amazed and consumed by the natural beauty of the island that the only thing on your mind will be soaking up some rays and taking in all that tranquility. Okay! You will definitely pick up your phone/camera to take pictures, which you can share and make your friends jealous when you get back to civilization and wifi.

Explore Belize in 6 Seconds Videos! Belize Starts to Vine
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) is ecstatic about the Launch of the Travel Belize VINE profile on September 1st, 2015! After securing a stack of breathtaking images, and harnessing its creativity, the first video was posted; it highlighted the Southeast Coast of Placencia. This enticing 6-second video social media isn't just another social platform, it's an entirely new digital market for Belize to increase its digital engagements! WHY VINE? Our online audience is seeking new innovative ways to share their travel experiences in real-time and to be inspired for their next exploration! With over 50 million users currently on Vine, the BTB's Director of Marketing and Industry Relations, Ms. Karen Pike, explained that this new digital venture promises to highlight Belize as one of the top destinations for adventure and leisure, targeting millennia! Video launch: https://vine.co/v/eI3uJKgI9D6

Misc Belizean Sources

Press Release BUA supports COLA September 3, 2015
The Belize Unity Alliance supports COLA in its call for the resignation of Minister “Sedi´ Elrington from his post as Minister of Foreign Affairs. We also join with COLA in its call for a complete boycott of Guatemalan goods and services.

19th annual Expo Belize Market
The Belize Chamber of Commerce & Industry is pleased to announce that the 19th annual Expo Belize Market Place will be held this weekend, Saturday and Sunday September 5th and 6th at the ITVET compound in Belize City. Doors open from 8 am and close at 6 pm on both days. Come out to support local businesses from across the country as they display various goods and services ranging from groceries, back to school supplies, food, craft and art, jewellery and more! Live entertainment will be provided as well as activities and play areas for the children. The Chamber invites the Belizean public to visit our nation’s largest trade show! Advance tickets are available for sale at our office on Coney Drive, Toto’s on the corner of George and Orange Street as well as Doony’s on Albert Street in Belize City. Adult tickets are $5 and tickets for children 11 and under are just $3.

Old Benque Exhibition Launch
The Benque House of Culture is launching the Old Benque traveling exhibit.

Little Miss Pandy Show 2015
This year's Little Miss Pandy Show will be on September 13th at the Cayo Welcome Center. Thanks, Pandy! "Only 5 more contestants needed, from 5 to 10 years, no wait fu mek u come to late.. queen pageant will be September 13th at the Cayo Welcome Center at 7pm"

HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTS SIGNED FOR PORT LOYOLA UNDER SOUTHSIDE POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROJECT – PHASE 2
The Government of Belize secured a loan with the OPEC Fund for the implementation of the Southside Poverty Alleviation Project – Phase 2. Through the Ministry of Works, new home construction and home improvement works to beneficiaries in the Belize City Southside communities of Queen’s Square, Pickstock, Port Loyola, Lake Independence and Collet are set to commence immediately. The 21 successful contractors for Port Loyola and Lake Independence signed contracts yesterday, September 2nd and will carry out home improvement works on approximately 90 homes in these two areas over the next year. The works include the construction of a new wooden and concrete homes, inclusive of septic systems as well as general home repairs to existing unsound homes within the area. Repairs such as roof repairs or replacement, rehabilitation of stairs, walls, structural posts and beams, addition of partition walls, replacement or addition of windows and doors, and the provision of septic tank systems for those in areas with no access to waste water infrastructure.

4X4 Beach Volleyball tournament Sept 26, San Pedro
INTERESTED PERSONS CAN SIGN UP AT THE SAN PEDRO TOWN COUNCIL. The range for the juniors is under 16....

Belmopan September Celebrations Launch
Belmopan is having their September Celebrations Kickoff today, starting at 6:00pm, and Mae Gordon Park.

Brian Bushway at Soul Project
Brain Bushway performed at the Soul Project. They made a great video from one of the songs. "'You don't have to be blind to sing the blues' while Brian from World Access for the Blind was in Belize, teaching Human Echolocation, he drop in with students for lunch and after jammed on stage for us."

Channel 7

Guat Prez Resigns: Arrested On Corruption Charges. How Does That Affect Belize?
Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina resigned last night - after the attorney general obtained a warrant for his arrest on corruption charges. And today, a judge ordered the former President to be held in Matamoros military prison in Guatemala City pending his hearing on those corruption charges. The judge says it's because he's a flight risk. His former vice president, Roxanna Baldetti is already imprisoned for corruption charges. Perez Molina has not been formally charged, but the attorney general's office plans to bring charges against Perez for illicit association, taking bribes and customs fraud. So, with the resignation, a new president Alejandro Maldonado Aguirre was sworn in today at the Congress building in Guatemala City. It's a time of incredible, unprecedented upheaval in our neighboring country - and it certainly does have ramifications for Belize - especially with Guatemala's unfounded claim on half of Belize's territory. Today we spoke to the Prime Minister and the BDF Commander about what it means for the future of Belize-Guatemala relations:...

General Jones & Admiral Thomas Discussed Sarstoon Incident
And while we had the opportunity, we asked General David Jones about his recent meeting with Guatemalan Vice Admiral Carlos Thomas. He was the ranking officer from the Guatemalan Navy who led his officers in an incursion into Belizean Territory on Sunday, August 16th when they tried to block the Belize Territorial Volunteers from visiting the Sarstoon Island. That prompted a protest note from the Government of Belize and an outpouring of anti-Guatemalan sentiment in Belize. It has also revealed that Guatemala treats the Sarstoon as theirs, and regularly tried to intimidate the BDF on their patrols. In fact, Vice Admiral Thomas told the Guatemalan press that they were out there to stop the Belizeans from asserting sovereignty over Sarstoon Island. Since then, General Jones has spoken to the Vice Admiral, and he shared a few details of their conversation with us:

PM: Elections Coming Near 4 Year Mark
And amidst all this upheaval in Guatemala - they will have elections on Sunday. You've already heard who is the Prime Minister's favourite in that race, but what about elections in Belize? When will those be held? Everyone knows it's soon - but could it be before the end of the year? That's the prevailing wisdom right now and we asked the Prime Minister and about a specific date:... Jules Vasquez "PUPs are saying that elections will be November 3rd. Is that true?" Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "November 3rd? I'm trying to... But why am I thinking about it? Because I can't know if my calculations have even contemplating the possibility of November 3rd, because I have not yet made those calculations."

Boots Says To Call Elections Tomorrow
So, while the Prime Minister says he is looking to finish up a 4-year term, his colleague, Port Loyola Area Representative "Boots" Martinez, would like if he calls the elections tomorrow(!). When we asked him about November 4th as a possible day, he said he wants it to be September(!) 4th. Jules Vasquez "There are PUPs who told me yesterday that election will be November 4th. Is that accurate sir?" Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez "I don't know sir. The only man who has the date for elections is the Prime Minister. But I wish that election was September 4th. That is my wishes. Which is tomorrow. But the only man who has the string for to call the election is the Prime Minister. I know it can't be tomorrow based on... but I wish it was tomorrow, because I am ready and I think that United Democratic Party is ready and I believe that the People's United Party is not ready. That is my personal view."

Brazen City Murder on Castle Street
There was a murder in Belize City this afternoon. It happened at about 1:45 on Castle Street, which is between New Road and Freetown Road. Police say 25 year old Glenford Vernon was getting a tattoo when he was shot. I spoke - off camera - to the man who picked him up and rushed him to the hospital:... Bystander, Assisted Victim "Right around the lane about 2 lots from this house, my friend came with her daughter. We just came from a press conference and I was laughing and talking having a few drinks and afterwards I heard "pow." So put down the baby and told everyone to duck. After that I heard like 6 more shots. But somebody passes and said that it was one of my family resident on Castle Street. So I ran from here around the lane. When I look, it was in the tattoo shop that my family own. I said it must be my family. So when I ran in there I saw someone with multiple gunshot wounds to his body. I don't know the guy. But from we were little, my father taught us to help people in these situations. So when I ran into the shop I saw him with his head backwards and his eye turned up and blood spraying and like people passing the shop and peeping. I told them to call 911. Someone came and assist. A police who lives on Victoria came and I came and took off some of those guys shirt and place it on the wound."

Micah Blazes His Party On FB (Again)!
Former PUP Candidate for Collet Micah Goodin is in the news again tonight for blazing up his party on Facebook. The last time he was criticizing his successor in the Collett division, but this time it's more serious. That's because Goodin was the former host of a show on the PUP's Vibes Radio. We say former because he quit spontaneously last night. Why? Well, he had booked the PUP's Standard Bearer for Orange Walk East Josue Carballo to be his guest last night - but Carballo is a part of the 11 PUP rebels. And so, word came down that even though he is a PUP Candidate, Carballo could not be on a Vibes Radio show. So, the PUP higher up's cancelled the show - and Goodin then went to Facebook to say, quote, "as of this point I will no longer be the host. Also I offer my immediate resignation from the executive of the Belize Youth Movement." In a later post, he added, "they cancelled the show…based on a...frivolous...rumour that I met with the G11 last week in Orange Walk and planned to overthrow Francis Fonseca." He continues, quote, "I cannot be a part of a leadership that is insecure and petty...that thrives on hearsay and gossip…A leadership that is paranoid and threatened by its own shadow...A leadership that is dictatorial and wants to make me nothing but a little black puppet. I will never be anyone's puppet." He concludes, quote, "Until this leadership sorts out its self esteem issues I will be looking on."

COLA Launches T-Shirts: Build The Base Now
A week ago, we showed you the launch of COLA's campaign to pressure the Government to build the Coast Guard's Forward Operating Base on Sarstoon Island. The campaign is called "Build the Base Now", and we showed you how they seem to have major financial backing, mobilizing supporters, much like a political mass party. Today, they followed up their campaign with the public launch of their T-shirts campaign. COLA President Geovannie Brackett told us that it is the continuation of their sustained activism on the Sarstoon Island issue: Geovannie Brackett - President, COLA "Daniel, being in the media you would understand that marketing is very important. So when you are doing your campaign, people want to be a part of it. People who may be in PG, but might not be able to make it out to a press conference. But by wearing a shirt they are showing solidarity and so the shirts are there. The back of it has our theme for this campaign "Protect Belize, Build the base now." This was effective when we did the "No ICJ" campaign. We had a skeleton budget, but at the same time it made the government had to spend millions in advertisement to battle this. We believe this is the same strategy that we are using and people and our membership, they want to be a part and so wearing the shirt is showing solidarity and it's always a good way to market the campaign."

BDF General: We Won't Make Military Mistakes By Buckling Under Public Pressure
So, as you saw, the pressure groups aren't letting up on the Sarstoon Island issue any time soon, and so we had to ask BDF General David Jones if the military commanders, and by extension, the National Security Ministry, are taking note. He said that, as of right now, whether or not the Government builds the base on Sarstoon Island or somewhere nearby will be determined by logistics and not by public pressure: General David Jones, BDF Commander "The forward operating base in the area of the Sarstoon, the island itself is not really practical to have a base there. There will be too many challenges to have the base on the island. We have checked two areas; one at the mouth of the Sarstoon and about 2km from the mouth of the Sarstoon that has some land that some construction may be able to happen. It will be up to a civil engineer and we are expect that it will be open to tender, but any civil engineer who is willing to go and take on the challenge to construct the base, we will welcome it. Any day they would like to go out into the area, we will go along with them and if they conclude that yes the base can be constructed anywhere in that area, then we will pursue with the construction."

COLA Mauls The BDF Commander
So, as you saw, right now the General is defending himself against COLA, and they made it clear today that they won't spare him criticisms of cozying up to the UDP government. The President Geovannie Brackett and COLA member Rufus X both took a public swipe at him at their press conference. Here's the harsh put down they had for the BDF Commander: Geovannie Brackett - President, COLA "To Brigadier General David Jones who has been interjected into this political exercise in his military capacity. We respect you and your long career, but you are not the government. You are the army. Do not let yourself be used, keep your lane and as you yourself has said, let the military do its job and the politician do theirs." Rufus X - Member COLA "To see that the politician have convert these two people that I have come to respect so much; the Commandant and the Admiral to simple political - really moved me. It touches my heart Daniel and now two more victim." General Jones responded, making it clear that he would prefer to stay out of the conversation between civilians discussing a divisive political issue. The problem, he says, is that civilians are meddling matters of national security which if handled poorly, could cost soldiers their lives:

PM Not Moved By COLA
And while the general is unfazed about COLA's second guessing his military professionalism - the Prime Minister also told us today that he is not feeling the COLA pressure: Reporter "Is COLA even bickering at government radar at this point?" Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I don't want to be rude. I don't want to be mean. So all I will say is that COLA has every right to do what it's doing. They are supposed to be some sort of a pressure group and one of their objectives is to try and ensure that there is transparency in public affairs. I would really want to know who is funding them, but it doesn't really matter. I wish them well in their continued advocacy. Government of course will simply proceed with its agenda and with its timing convinced."

PM Was Shocked To Find Out About Cpl Wagner
WE also asked the Prime Minister about Police Corporal Ryon Wagner who ahs been charged for murder. The Corporal had been the personal driver and security guard for the Prime Minister's wife going back for at least four years - so he was an intimate of the Barrow household. But tonight, Wagner is in jail, on remand for the murder of Nicaraguan Eduardo Manuel Perez Sanchez. Perez Sanchez was found last weekend - hos body thrown on the Young Gial Road. Reports say Wagner told other cops he shot a man - and appeared to have been drinking. Today the Prime Minister told us he was shocked to hear the accusation:.. Jules Vasquez "Were you shocked at the allegation against Cpl. Ryan Wagner, an intimate of your household now on remand at Hattieville Prison for murder?"

A New Housing Community Off Fabers
Last night, we told you about the housing agreements signed between the Ministry of Works and the local contractors from Port Loyola and Lake Independence to build over 100 houses for needy first time home owners. It's the second phase of the Southside Poverty Alleviation Project, and today, we got a chance to see how this agreement will actually work on the ground in these constituencies. Daniel Ortiz reports: Daniel Ortiz reporting This area off Fabers Road is well on it's way to becoming a housing community in the Port Loyola Division. A few months ago, however, it used to be all bush and tall trees, very much like what these men are working hard to clear away here. Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez - Area Rep., Port Loyola "It was literally Faber's Road, but it was that kind of road like what you see right over there - raw bush."

3 Belizeans Still Missing At Sea
There is still no sign of the 3 Belize City fishermen who went missing at sea one week ago. 20-year-old Donovan Usher, 29-year-old Giovanni Murrillo, and 33-year-old Jerome Bowen left for Turneffe Island on Thursday morning on a one day fishing trip but have not returned. We spoke with relatives today who are demanding answers from the Coast Guard - because one of the missing men Giovanni Murrillo was in the news in February of this year for allegedly firing on the Coast Guard. The family says he had received threats of retaliation:.. Anna Cardenes, Mother of Donovan Usher "They are fishermen. Every day they go out for one day and come in back. But on the trips that they go they say that they were being threaten - that the coast guard was threatening them. They told them that anytime they meet them out there they will kill them. Giovanni Murrillo and Jerome Bowen had a case with the coast guard and they won the case and ever since they won the case, the coast guard were threatening them. My son went with them."

CSME: How It Really Looks In Belize
How does the Caribbean Single Market and Economy factor into everyday life and business in Belize? That's what 19 tertiary level students from Grenada traveled to Belize to find out. It's part of the CSME mission where these students get to study and evaluate first hand how other member countries operate. Well, when we spoke to the coordinator, he told us that it's more than just an educational trip -it's looking for cross border business opportunities. The mission ends tomorrow and there is a closing ceremony tonight at the Radisson. The team visited various agencies such as the Immigration Department and BAHA.

BDF Trained By The US Marines
A month ago, we showed you how the United States Marines Corps trained 16 officers from the Coast Guard to become part of a new infantry marine division. The goal was to prepare them with modern skills and techniques, the kind that the Marines have used to become one of the most respected fighting forces in the world. Well, for the last 4 weeks, they've been doing something similar for the Belize Defence Force, and today, 21 Belizean soldiers graduated from a regiment in weapons handling, hand-to-hand combat, and marksmanship. We stopped by the graduation and met the newly trained soldiers. Here's what their Chief of Staff had to say about their progress through the program: This the 5th group of soldiers to be trained by the US Marines in this program.

National Bank Opens Bze City Branch
Two years after it was opened in Belmopan, today the National Bank of Belize christened its Belize City branch. The branch is located on Regent Street and is the first branch for the small but growing bank which is headquartered in the Capital. This morning at a very well attended opening, the General Manager said it is about getting closer to customers:.. Alvaro Alamina, General Manager "To help in getting closer to our customers, we now have this modern new office at 53 Regent Street. This branch will mirror the activities of the Belmopan Branch, but will also offer new services such as night safe facilities, safety deposit boxes - targeting business and corporate customers in Belize City. The catchment area for this branch will mainly Belize City, San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Corozal, Orange Walk and the growing areas outside Belize City such as Ladyville, Lord's Bank, Burrell Boom and the other small villages in the Belize District. This bank will continue to follow its motto of being "the people's bank."

Who Did GOB Buy The City Building From For NBB Branch?
And while the bank is opened for business as of Monday - there's been much political banter about the building it's in. The press asked the Prime Minister about it today:... Reporter "Sir, could you confirm for us that the acquisition of the building was indeed bought from the brother of your economic ambassador Mark Espat for 3 million dollars?" Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I believe it was bought from a company, but there is no doubt at all that the company is either owned by or controlled by members of the Espat family." Reporter "The price of the building?" Hon. Dean Barrow, Prime Minister "I don't remember. May have been a little more, may have been a little less."

Mas Camp Madness: Day 2
Carnival is set for Saturday September 12th - that means right about now, Carnival camps are working overtime to finalize costumes and polish their dance chorography for the big day. Last night 7news stopped in at 4 more carnival mas camps around the city. Here's what we saw.

Madness Erupted Into Violence
And there was a commotion outside of Jam Jam carnival camp last night on West Collet Canal. Just before 9, police had to fire warning shots above the crowd of spectators, after a fight broke out and chaos ensued. We are not sure about the persons involved in the fight but we were told that some of the DJ's equipment were destroyed in the mix of things. The incident caused police to shut down Jam Jam carnival Mas camp. And not long after another fight broke out on Allenby Street across from the carnival camp. Police managed to control the crowd- and a minor was detained by the officers. Tonight is the last night for carnival Mas camps. 7news will be visiting Mohogany Masqueraders, Sunshine Masqueraders, Soca Moca, Mother Nature's Creation and Titans Mas Band.

Police Will Shut Down Mas Camps Early
And that incident you just saw is why the officer commanding for the eastern division Southside Chester Williams says he has had enough(!) of the mas camps. He told us today that he will force them to shut down early tonight:… And if you're wondering what got Williams so upset - here is the incident he was referring to:... Tomorrow, we'll tell you how that little experiment went.

Channel 5

P.M. Barrow Reacts to Otto Perez Molina Stepping Down as Guatemalan President
There is a new president in Guatemala; he is Alejandro Maldonado, who will serve until January when a new president takes office. His installation came within hours of the resignation [...]

P.M. Sorry to See Guatemalan President Resign
Former President, Otto Perez Molina, who is in lockdown tonight before another Court appearance on Friday, was in Belize in December 2014. That’s when Belize and Guatemala officially signed off [...]

What Would a Baldizon Presidency Mean for Belize?
The first round of voting in Guatemalan elections is scheduled for September sixth. Since Perez Molina’s resignation at midnight, polls show that the front-runner Manuel Baldizon from the Renewed Democratic [...]

…But What if Sandra Torres Were to Win?
And it is likely that a surprise victory by Sandra Torres, currently running third in consecutive polls, wouldn’t be a bad thing either. Torres is the ex-wife of former President [...]

Several Persons Injured in Collision on Crooked Tree Causeway
A near-fatal collision this afternoon along the Crooked Tree causeway has left several persons, including two minors, hospitalized with varying degrees of injuries. Sometime around three o’clock, a grey Toyota [...]

Glenford Vernon Murdered on Castle Street
There was a murder in the old capital this afternoon and at this point, there are only preliminary reports about what happened on Castle Street. Just before two this afternoon, [...]

National Bank Opens Belize City Branch
Exactly two years ago, on September second 2013, the National Bank of Belize opened its doors for the first time in Belmopan. The mandate was clear cut – the provision [...]

When Will the Next General Elections Be Called?
The region’s focus is on Guatemala, and on elections there set for September sixth. But a little closer to home, there is much speculation about our own general elections. The [...]

COLA Reboots and Stays on Course with Anti-government Campaign
COLA is stepping up its aggressive campaign called Protect Belize, Build the Base Now. As its slogan proclaims, the organization wants the government to proceed with the construction of a [...]

P.M. Wishes COLA Well in Ongoing Public Campaign
While COLA continues to implement what shows promise of being a very muscular campaign, the group, headed by President Geovanni Brackett, has gotten the attention of the Prime Minister. His [...]

B.D.F. and Guatemalan Military Encounters are Routine – P.M. Barrow
COLA’s campaign has been focused on the Sarstoon and the need for a military presence at that location. It is a cry that has resonated, especially after footage last week [...]

Bodyguard turned Alleged Murderer Shocks P.M. Barrow
The officer assigned to the PM’s wife as her personal security was arrested and charged for murder on Tuesday. The fact that police believe one of their own cold-bloodedly murdered [...]

B.D.F Soldiers Complete Skills Training with U.S.M.C.
More than twenty B.D.F. officers are now trained on marksmanship and combat readiness. The month-long training was carried out by the United States Marine Corps and a ceremony was held [...]

No Worries About Petrocaribe Debt Says P.M.
With general elections looming…less than six months away according to the Prime Minister, one of the Opposition’s main criticisms looks to be centred on Petrocaribe – or more accurately the [...]

Meet and Greet on George Street and Rocky Road
The north and south eastern divisions of the Belize Police Department are partnering to tackle crime in the city. Today, they were out in the George Street area talking to [...]

Frankie Reneau at the Bliss this Friday
The national celebrations wouldn’t be complete without Francis “Frankie” Reneau. He returns every year to put on a one-of-a-kind show and on Friday night at the Bliss Center for the [...]

Mas Camp Fever Takes Over Belize City
Day two of mas camps took place on Wednesday night with four bands showing off their costumes and revelry. The more experienced bands came out in full strength with spectacular [...]

LOVE FM

National Bank of Belize opens branch in Belize City
The Belize City Branch of the National Bank of Belize was officially opened today. The National Bank of Belize or as the Government would refer to it, “the people’s bank”, was opened two years ago with its headquarters in Belmopan. The purpose of the bank is to provide low interest loans to Belizeans. General Manager, […]

Prime Minister reiterates position on activities in Sarstoon
On Tuesday, Wil Maheia of the Belize Territorial Volunteers sent out an email in which he says he observed a Guatemalan gun boat at the mouth of the Sarstoon, presumably in Guatemalan waters. It was supposed to the day when the BDF would change over shifts at Cadenas but according to Maheia, he saw no […]

Government keeping an eye on activities in Guatemala
Guatemalan president Otto Perez Molina resigned after an arrest warrant was issued. Perez Molina was being investigated over allegations of illicit association and receiving bribe money related to a customs fraud ring known as “La Linea”. He denies the allegations. On Tuesday, the Guatemalan Congress stripped him of his immunity from prosecution. Perez Molina has […]

House destroyed in early morning fire in Punta Gorda
Paul Mahung reporting… “The owner of the house Meredith Martinez Augustine escaped uninjured from the burning building was not able to save any of her belongings. Meredith Augustine – Fire Victim “Last night I was asleep I don’t know what woke me up but earlier two gentlemen came to hail me and I drove them […]

UNICEF issues advisory over fraudulent mail
UNICEF Belize has issued an advisory to the public following the circulation of letters purportedly coming from the organization. According to the release, several people in Belize have received fraudulent award letters and emails that appear to be coming from UNICEF in Spain and Orchadhills Security Company. The letter states that recipients won an award […]

Orange Walk taxi drivers up in arms
Arturo Cantun reporting… “For years residents and especially vehicle drivers of the town have raised concerned about the manner in which drivers of $1 taxis operate through the center of town. The complaints include speeding, racing among each other and unindicated stops in incident vulnerable areas of the main street. Taxi operators of registered associations […]

COLA continues its campaign for construction of forward operating base
Today Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action, held a press conference at which they revisited the position they stated last week. The demand for the construction of the forward operating base, the review of policies with Guatemala and the removal of Wilfred Elrington as Foreign Minister. President of COLA, Geovanni Brackett said as in previous […]

Government to proceed with its plans to build forward operating base
So what does the Prime Minister thinks about COLA and their “Build the Base now” campaign? As we have been reporting, the Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action has taken up the duty of pressuring the Government of Belize to build the Forward Operating Base as soon as possible. Prime Minister Dean Barrow dismissed COLA’s […]

Election date still unknown, Prime Minister says soon
There has been a lot of talk as to when Prime Minister Dean Barrow will call the general elections. Rumors had it that it would be called in November. Today, Barrow put all the rumors to rest and shared his plans as to when he will call general elections. Prime Minister Dean Barrow “I will […]

Coast guard officers accused of extortion
Love News has received credible reports that three coast guard officers working out of Consejo Village were detained today for allegations of extortion. Details are not readily available at the moment but we understand that a resident of Consejo was bringing uncustomed goods from the Mexican side through the Chetumal Bay when he was intercepted […

PlusTV

National Assembly debates Electricity Acquisition Settlement Act, 2015
The House of Representatives met at the National Assembly in Belmopan today for a Special Sitting of the House. The Electricity Acquisition Settlement Act, 2015 was the item debated today at that Assembly. The act seeks to facilitate the implementation of the terms of a Deed of Settlement and Compro...

Espat says nationalization is all about nepotism
Today the debate on the BEL Acquisition Settlement Bill took precedence in the house with vehement arguments on both sides of the isle. A great deal of the arguments on the oppositions side was centered around the fact that the Government through the Settlement deal granted Fortis Group of companies...

Third Parties say Sweet Deal…for Fortis
Third parties are also adding their voices to the discussion, reiterating that the final settlement on the BEL acquisition is a sugary sweet deal for Fortis alone. They held a 3 man protest outside of the of theNational Assembly today as the representatives met inside. Their main issue was the exemp...

CWU accuses SSB chair of inciting negative public sentiments against workers
The Social Security Board staff is in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, which includes salary increases and benefits. Negotiations have not been going very well for staff members and the board’s counter proposal has not been anywhere near what the staffers are asking. Over the ...

King’s Children’s Home Gets Solar Panels
The King’s Children’s Home is located in the Village of Cotton Tree and is home to some 72 children. The facility is considerably large and spacious and is really a new space for the Orphanage which was previously located in a smaller duplex on Trinity Blvd in Belmopan. The move to the ...

Minor injuries reported in Hummingbird Highway traffic accident
Yesterday we told you about a traffic accident that happened on the Hummingbird Highway in front of Gallardo’s Hardware store. The accident involved a BBOC passenger bus and a private vehicle, a white Mitsubishi Montero. According to the bus driver, Tyrone Gillett , he was driving the bus with 52 pa...

Guatemalan president stripped of Immunity from Prosecution
Guatemalan President, 64 year old Otto Perez Molina has been stripped of his immunity against prosecution in his country. That is a historical occurrence as Molina becomes the first Guatemalan President to endure such a disgrace. Elections in Guatemala are just four days away but the country has bee...

The Guardian

BEL debt settled
Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow, held a press conference on Monday August 31 to announced to the nation that the debt to the former owners of Belize Electricity Limited, Fortis, was settled. Speaking to the media in a press conference, the Prime Minister noted that as a result of a change in presidency at the company, with Barry Perry taking over from Stan Marshal, the former president, the process of negotiations went rather smoothly. That process started in July and one month later it was complete. The settlement will now see the government of Belize paying Fortis 70 million dollars with the company also getting a 33 and 1/3 percent shareholding in BEL. In effect the government which once held a 70% shareholding in BEL after nationalization will now own a 37% shareholding in the company, that along with a 26% holding by the Social Security Board ensures that the Government and people of Belize maintain a majority ownership in the utility company. With the new shareholding spread, BEL will be entitled to three directors to the board. These persons will include Fortis’ Earl Ludlow, former CEO of BEL, Lynn Young and former president of the Chamber of Commerce, Kay Menzies.

More schools to be built across the country
The Government of Belize has entered into a loan agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank for the construction of 35 new school buildings across the country. The loan is for a total of US$35 million and was approved by the House of Representatives on Wednesday, September 2. Hon. Patrick Faber, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports, explained that the Ministry has looked at communities across the country where the population has grown significantly to determine necessary locations for new schools. There will be 22 new schools for early childhood education (preschools). These schools will be built in Valley of Peace, Buena Vista, Billy White, Duck Run, St. Margaret’s, San Pablo (O.W.), San Jose (O.W.), Douglas, San Juan (O.W.), San Antonio (O.W.), Santa Cruz (O.W.), Trial Farm, Cowpen, Caye Caulker, Belmopan, Bella Vista, San Ignacio, Santa Elena, Independence, Pomona, Punta Gorda, San Pedro, Corozal Town and Dangriga.

Marco Tulio Mendez charged with Carnal Knowledge
The good doctor… Marco Tulio Mendez, who is the current PUP Area Representative for the Orange Walk East constituency, is currently in a lot more trouble than he was before. That’s because on Monday, August 31, the Orange Walk police upgrade his charges from aggravated assault of an indecent nature to carnal knowledge. He’s been sequestered for about 5 months, away from the public, only making his way to all his court ordered adjournments after being charged with 6 counts of indecent assault on February 3. He returned back to court on Monday, August 31, expecting that the police would finally conduct what in criminal proceedings is called a preliminary inquiry. This is a hearing where the sitting Magistrate looks at all the evidence that the prosecution has provided to the judiciary to convince them that this case ought to go to full trial.

Musa has steel cohones
There are a few things that Said Musa simply should not indulge in, that is to talk about tax write offs, Venezuelan money and borrowing. But when we deal with Said Musa, anything is possible, and anything is game. Such it was on Wednesday during the special House Meeting when he stood up to talk. Behold- he spoke about all of the above mentioned things. Said, for the first time ever admitted to giving Ashcroft tax write offs. Maybe it was that he was never given the opportunity to say as much or maybe it was that he was simply unwilling to admit that he twisted himself out of shape in order to accommodate Ashcroft, whatever the reason was he has never publicly admitted to having given the lord some huge tax breaks. Tax breaks which allowed for him to be referred to as a malignant tumor by the Caribbean Court of Justice. Another topic which he glibly spoke about was about borrowing. He has some set of steel cohones to be talking about debt. He lamented that the government was borrowing money. And even as he did so he explained the reason for all the borrowing that was currently taking place.

Audrey Matura’s incompetence costs Lucilo Teck over $60,000
Audrey Matura-Shepherd and other radicals may have caused the sugarcane industry to lose millions of dollars in the 2014-2015 crop season but this loss can now be piled on to what veteran farmer, Lucilo Teck, is facing for being the poster boy of Matura’s destructive actions. Readers may remember that cane farmer Lucilo Teck “hired” Audrey Matura-Shepherd to apply to the Supreme Court of Belize for a mandamus to compel the Sugar Industry Control Board (SICB) to declare the sugarcane crop season open. It was around this very time that the Belize Sugarcane Farmers Association divided into three associations and later signed separate agreements with BSI to proceed with the sugarcane crop on January 28. Despite the fact that the associations moved forward with the crop season, Matura encouraged Teck to proceed with the application which was set to be argued on February 23.

Alvin Hyde Senior has lost eleven family members since May 2015
The much feared and reputed boss of the underworld, Russell Winston Hyde Sr, was found lifeless by the Special Patrol Unit arm of the police department about a hundred yards from his girlfriend Marcie Humes at about 9:30 pm last Friday night at the Hyde’s residence in the Young Bank Area in Camalote Village, in the Cayo District. A witness to the entire incident, who fled the scene unhurt tells police that a screaming Marcie Humes was the first one to be shot by three armed gunmen, who were dressed in dark clothes and had flashlights. The three men had come running to the top of the hill where the Hydes lived. The gunmen then went after Russell Hyde, who had attempted to flee on a dirt road next to his farm. The 45 year old Hyde was shot at close range with two shots to the lower back, one shot to the right side of the jaw, neck and left clavicle areas. While 28 year-old hair braider, Marcie Humes, from Roaring Creek Village was shot a total of seven times to the chest and leg area. Humes was rushed to the Western Regional Hospital, but died from her injuries at 10:23 pm.

Busted with undersized lobster tails
Taiwanese businesswoman, Pin Yin Wu Li, 59, is out on bail after she was caught with 18 undersized lobster tails at her business place, “Billy’s Kitchen”, on Tuesday, August 25. Wu Li appeared in court on Friday, August 28, to answer to the fisheries offense. Pin Yin Wu Li appeared before Magistrate Deborah Rogers where she pleaded not guilty to a single charge of possession of undersized lobster tails, not exceeding four ounces. Li was unrepresented in court but she was provided with a translator to assist her in court. She pleaded not guilty and explained to the magistrate that when she bought the lobster tails she asked the seller to make sure they were regulation size. She said she only counted and checked some of them because there was a lot and may have overlooked some.

Mark Lopez before the court for robbery and weed
Mark Lopez was in police custody for two nights last week for the alleged armed robbery of Oliver Anthony Sutherland, who turned out to be his own cousin. Lopez allegedly held up Sutherland with a gun on Thursday, August 13, and took away his gold chain valued at $1000. Sutherland made a report to police then Lopez was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a firearm. However, Sutherland appeared in court on Thursday, August 27, to inform Magistrate Ladonna John that he does not wish to proceed with the case because he found out that Lopez is his relative.

Bus driver, Placido Vasquez, 46, of Teakettle Village is out on bail after he was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Wednesday, September 2, for the offense of aggravated assault with a vehicle upon Clive Hyde. In a report to police, Hyde said that he was at his work place, Harpie’s Security, in Belize City on Tuesday, September 1, when he got into an argument with Placido who eventually jumped into a white Isuzu Rodeo and drove into him. Hyde was hit so hard that he ended up on the windshield of the vehicle.

Police corporal charged for murder
Police corporal, Ryon Wagner, is on remand at the Belize Central Prison on a charge of murder. Police believe that he shot and killed 31 year-old Nicaraguan Eduardo Manuel Perez Sanchez. Police found Perez Sanchez’s body at around 6 a.m. on Saturday, August 29 on a feeder road about 2 miles from the junction of the George Price Highway and Young Gial Road in Teakettle Village, Cayo District. The victim’s body was fully dressed, but it had a black T-shirt over his head and face. When the investigators observed the body, they found 2 gunshot wounds in Perez Sanchez’s head. He had been murdered execution-style.

Roy Zelaya Busted with Crack Cocaine
Belize City driver, Roy Zelaya, 44, was fined $150 after he was busted with 0.9 grams of crack cocaine. According to Zelaya, he went to buy the drug for someone to earn $5 and on his way back was when he was stopped by police. Zelaya was unrepresented when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Wednesday, September 2. He wasted no time and pleaded guilty to a single charge of possession of a control drug. Chief Magistrate Smith fined Zelaya $150.00 plus $5 cost of court fee.

Dr. Carla Barnett builds first park for Belama Phase IV
The Belama Phase IV area is undergoing a complete transformation. Within the past couple of years it has seen vast improvements in the roads, drains, electrification and water connections. The main road leading into it, Apollo Street, has been completely upgraded and resurfaced and all in all the living conditions of residents has seen a marked improvement. Now after this transformation that has taken place, residents have requested and began the process to build a new park for the community. A couple of months ago, residents actually to it on themselves to go into a park-designated area and began to clear it to make way for improvements to take place. It was a noble effort and one which proved that the community was ready to take ownership and take care of the park and with that the UDP standard bearer, Carla Barnett took notice.

BEL at a glance: pre and post nationalization
BEL has now been bought and paid for, the previous owner receives 70 million dollars in cash and 33 and 1/3 % in shareholding. The decision was announced on Monday August 31 by Prime Minister, Hon. Dean Barrow and it has now ended years of contention relationship between Fortis and the Government of Belize. And while now it is a matter of history to see where we have come from in this battle for BEL, we at the Guardian will single out two aspects of BEL before and after nationalization. What we've chosen to look at are the operating costs and earnings by the utility company as presented in their annual reports. In 2009 the company ballooned its operating expenses and their annual report stated as follows: "Operating expenses increased mainly due to a reduction in the level of overhead expenses capitalized as directed by the PUC and costs associated with legal challenges and defense against the actions of the PUC. Increased depreciation and finance charges and a decrease in other revenues also negatively affected earnings.

Making history in Cayo Central
Numerous projects are ongoing in the Cayo Central Division at an unprecedented rate. A newly released statement from the Cayo Central Office declares that never in the history of Cayo Central has so much been accomplished, in just two terms of the ruling United Democratic Party. Area Representative for the Cayo Central Division, the Hon. Rene Montero has been observed in numerous sites around Cayo Central monitoring the various projects to benefit the residents of his Division. A six million Belize dollar contract has just been awarded to Belize Roadway construction to pave the stretch of road between Santa Elena Town and San Antonio Village. This roadway between two communities facilitates the movement of farmers, tourists and residents alike, and the improvements are coming thanks to the help from Petrocaribe.

Some clarification on BEL’s settlement and shareholding
The BZ$70m in cash is what GoB is paying for 36.9% (or 25,469,490 shares) of the ordinary shares of the company (that’s the difference between the 70.2% (or 48,454,152 shares) GoB acquired from Fortis and the 33.3% (or 22,984,662 shares) that it is now giving back. Since its acquisition GoB has received dividends from BEL shares of $ 7.3m in 2015 plus $6.3m in 2013 and 14, for which it had not paid a penny, therefore the real cost of the shares is $56.4m which is the difference between the $70m purchase price and the dividends received. What GoB is therefore really paying for those shares is equivalent to $2.21 or just 21 cents more than $2 par value of the ordinary shares. That’s less than half (43%) of the net book value of $5.13 as at December 31, 2014, and only 53% of the 2011 net book value of $4.14, Belizeans have bought almost 37% of BEL for way below book value of shares. Furthermore, $2.21 is only 35% of the $6.29 which Fortis had originally demanded for each share in their claim against GoB.

Calm in city still holding despite Malic Dixon’s apparent gang related murder
After a month of relative calm in the Belize City, and 2 months without outward signs of gang violence, 20 year-old Malik Dixon Jr., a resident of Mahogany Street was shot and killed a few blocks away from his home on Saturday night, August 29, just before 8:30 p.m. What police have been able to piece together at this time is that Dixon was riding his bicycle on his way home, and while he was on Flamboyant Street, a still unidentified gunman ambushed him and fired several shots at him. two of the bullets found their mark, and struck him in the lower back, and under his left arm pit. Civilians rushed him immediately to the KHMH, but he died while undergoing emergency medical treatment. For his family, it is a devastating turn of events, but speaking frankly to reporters, his grandmother discussed with the press that they spoke with him a few times about hanging out with street figures in the Ghost Town Gang. He was regularly in the company of such individuals, and there was nothing they could do to convince him to stop.

Errol Lynch, pleads guilty to handling stolen TV
Harold Perriott reported to police that on Thursday, August 20, a room he was renting in Belize City was burglarized and a number of items were stolen. Included among the items were a 32 inch flat screen television valued at $700 and a Jordan tennis shoe valued at $150 which police later found. According to police, on Saturday, August 22, Egbert Ferguson was found in possession of the Jordan tennis stolen from Perriott’s room and on Monday, August 24, Errol Lynch was found in possession of the television set stolen from Perriott’s room. Both men were arrested and charged with handling stolen goods.

Raheem Marsden charged for drug trafficking
Raheem Marsden, 23, is out on bail after he was arraigned for a single charge of drug trafficking on Friday, August 28. According to police, Marsden, a resident of Belize City, was busted in possession of nine small parcels of marijuana stashed in his pants waist on Thursday, August 27. Marsden was apprehended and taken to the police station where the drug was weighed. It amounted to 62.4 grams; therefore, police charged Marsden for the offense of drug trafficking with intent to supply to another person or persons.

Three charged for stolen goods
Guatemalans Elmer Trujillo, 31, Celedonio Ortiz, 43, and Fermin Zabaleta, 36, all of #99 Lord’s Bank Road, have been arraigned in the Belize City Magistrates Court for charges relating to the theft of Sanjay Hotchandani’s goods. The trio appeared before Magistrate Deborah Rogers on Monday, August 31. First to be arraigned was Trujillo who was read a charge of theft. Allegations are that on August 22, 2015, he stole two Westinghouse brand A/C Units valued at $2,500, property of Sanjay Hotchandani. He wasted no time and pleaded guilty to the charge. Trujillo was additionally charged jointly with Ortiz and Zabaleta for handling stolen goods. Allegations are that on August 22, they were found in possession of the two AC units at their Lord’s Bank home. Trujillo pleaded guilty to the charge as well but disagreed with the facts; therefore, his guilty plea was rejected. A plea of not guilty was entered for the three men. They were offered bail in the sum of $2,500 each plus one surety of the same.

Placido Vasquez accused of intentionally driving into Clive Hyde
Bus driver, Placido Vasquez, 46, of Teakettle Village is out on bail after he was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith on Wednesday, September 2, for the offense of aggravated assault with a vehicle upon Clive Hyde. In a report to police, Hyde said that he was at his work place, Harpie’s Security, in Belize City on Tuesday, September 1, when he got into an argument with Placido who eventually jumped into a white Isuzu Rodeo and drove into him. Hyde was hit so hard that he ended up on the windshield of the vehicle.

Dangriga Multi-purpose sporting complex to be rehabilitated
Belize Infrastructure Limited (BIL), a public sector agency of the Government of Belize (GOB), is undertaking the design, construction and management of capital projects in Belize with particular emphasis on sporting and other multipurpose facilities. The Design phase for the Dangriga Multi-purpose Sporting Complex has been completed and BIL is pleased to announce that the contract for the Construction phase was signed today. The contract was awarded to Mr. Salvador Habet of BCG Ltd from Belize City for $2,991,544.07.

More streets for Lake-I
Through the Petro Caribe program, central government will be investing 10 million dollars more in street upgrades across the city. One of those areas that will be benefitting is the Lake Independence constituency and Hon. Mark King is none too slow to begin the work. Over the past few days the heavy equipment has once again rolled into lake I digging drains, dumping up roads and graders and rollers as doing the work to improve the roads. Speaking to the Guardian, Hon. King said that the work being done is comprehensive in that the roads will be upgraded to what’s referred as up to paved standard. He said that accompanying the work will be the digging of drains as well as the installation of culverts and concrete walk and driveways for residents where the streets are being upgraded.

Liad Lisa
We are very certain what it is that drives Lisa Shoman- she is a rabid PUP that lives eats and drinks politics every single day. Maybe she is gunning for leadership of that worthless party and while she bids for it she is willing to do and say just about anything to get the prominence she wants. Case in point was a posting on Facebook in which she point blank- lied to her audience, remorselessly, maybe she pretended not to know numbers and accused the government of paying 70 million U.S. dollars for the BEL debt when in reality it was just half of that. The questions to Lisa, is and will remain, do you think that the Belizean people are as gullible as they were in the past? Do you think that they are unable to see through the social media lies that you concoct?

Another PUP horse dies
Another PUP horse has died. On Monday afternoon when P M Barrow announced that there was a settlement between the Government of Belize and Fortis in relation to BEL, a loud bawling could have been heard coming from the PUP Stable on Queen street. The PUP wailed and whined as they moaned the lost of another whipping horse. This was the third PUP horse to have died over the last two months. The first to die back in July was a big strong Clydesdale named Petrocaribe. According to the Vet, Petrocaribe died because of excessive flogging. Petrocaribe was being flogged since last October and had been showing signs of weakness in January during the horse race named Bye-election in Cayo North.

UDP and PUP- Polar opposites
The United Democratic Party and People’s United Party are exact opposites of each other. The difference between the two is like what day is to night. First let us look at the top, the UDP have a brilliant attorney at law and humanitarian as it’s Leader in the person of Hon. Dean Oliver “Lionheart “ Barrow. Hon. Dean Barrow is a great orator, he equips himself on any topic he is called to speak upon always making eye contact with those he is speaking with. Even when he speaks to a huge gathering it is like he is speaking to each person individually. He makes eye contact and one gets a chance to see the sincerity in his speech. Honesty is the mode of Mr. Barrow in both his personal and professional life either as an attorney or as an elected official. His name has never been called in any type of underhanded deal or hustling. Another thing is that Hon. Barrow allows descent from amongst those persons he leads. Democracy reigns supreme in the UDP where anybody’s position may be challenged, including the position of the Leader of the Party.

Bulldogs capture Firms Basketball Competition Title
The Belize District Basketball Association Firms Competition came to an end on Saturday 29 August, 2015, at Bird’s Isle. The third and final game in the competition had to be played when on Friday 28 August, 2015, the Central Bank Team forced the if necessary game. In the championship game, the Belize Bank Bulldogs wasted no time in demonstrating its superiority over the Central Bank team when it blasted it by the score of 71-57. In the second game of the best of three series played on Friday 28 August, the Central Bank team forced a third game in the championship when it edged out the Belize Bank Bulldogs by the score of 70-67.

Junior Athletes to Commonwealth Youth Games
The Belize Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association will join seventy other Commonwealth Games Associations at the V Commonwealth Youth Games that will take place in Apia, Samoa, from September 5- 11, 2015. The V Commonwealth Youth Games will see participation from young athletes from all corners of the Commonwealth of Nations in 9 different sporting events. The Belizean Contingent which is consisted of Ashantie Carr (400m & 800m); Ashonti Carr (Long Jump),Marco Mendez (Men’s Singles), Michael Sosa (Coach/Delegate) for the Tennis Athlete and Tricia Flores who will doubled as Coach/Delegate for Athletics and all so as the Chief-of-Mission, left the country on September 1, 2015.

Kent Gabourel captures 16th Lionman Triathlon championship
The Belize Triathlon Association sponsored its 16th Annual Lionman Triathlon on Sunday 30 August, 2015, at the Sanlighters Promenade in Belize City. According to the President of the Triathlon Association Giovanni Alamilla, the course was an Olympic Distance event that included the 1500 metre swim, 40K ride and the 10K run. At the end of the event, it was Kent Gabourel that repeated as the Lionman champion. Gabourel completed the swim in a time of 31m 24s, ride in a time of 1:03:00 and the run in a time of 0.38 for a total time of 2:15. The second tri-athlete to cross the finish line was Amed Figueroa and he completed the course with the following time; swim 26m47s, ride 1 hr 9m and the run in a time of 0:41 for a total time of 2:16. The third tri-athlete to finish was Eric Donis and he completed the course with the following time: swim 25m7s, ride 1h 10m and run 0:44 for a total time of 2:19.

Junior male softballers to Estelí, Nicaragua
The Belize Softball Federation will be participating in the X Central American Junior Male Softball Championship that will be played in Estelí, Nicaragua from September 4-7, 2015. The National Team left the country on Wednesday September 2, and will join the National Teams of El Salvador, Guatemala and the host country Nicaragua. The games will be played in Noel Gamez Sports Stadium in Esteli, Nicaragua. Belize’s National Junior Male Softball Team is made up of players from the Cayo District, Belize Rural, Belize City and San Pedro. The leader of the Delegation is Edison Parks, 1st Vice President of the Belize Softball Federation, while the coaching staff consists of Head Coach Keith Madrill and Assistant Coach Brandon Bood. The players selected are: Keron Tillett, Tyrone Armstrong, Hedras Ramirez, Bruce Hylton, Jerome Carr, Rene Flowers, Lester Games, Nahor Howe, Christian Orellana, Devontae Middleton, Keran Fuller, Damian Pollard, Anfernee Brooks, Charles Stuart and Christian Hernandez.

Verdes FC are the new leaders in the Premier League Opening Season
The Premier League of Belize Opening Season Tournament continued over the last weekend with three games on the schedule. On Saturday 28 August, 2015, at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium in Independence Village, the host team Wagiya and the visiting Police United played to a 2-2 draw. The Police United was able to get onto the scoreboard first when Harrison Roches scored the 1st of 2 goals in the 41st minute of play to give his team a 1-0 lead. It was not until the 2nd half of the game that the host team Wagiya was able to penetrate the Police United defence when Eugene Martinez scored his team equalising goal in the 54th minute of play to tie the score at 1-1. Police United took another lead when Harrison Roches scored his 2nd and final goal of the game in the 73rd minute of play to give his team a 2-1 lead.

Two corporals in Cayo awarded for outstanding work
Assistant Commissioner of Police Aaron Guzman did an inspection of Police Officers from the Belmopan, San Ignacio and Benque Viejo Sub Formations at the San Ignacio Police Station on Friday of last week. In his monthly inspection, the Western Regional Commander, Aaron Guzman, sought to discover the standing of each police officer as they report for duty as well as remind the community that the police officers are working in cohesion in the performance of their duties. Guzman also took the time to award two Corporals from the San Ignacio Police Formation for their outstanding work ethic during the month of August of this year. These two police officers were chosen by the Officer in Charge of San Ignacio Police, Inspector Andrew Ramirez. First to be awarded for dedication, commitment and leadership qualities shown to the San Ignacio Police Formation was Corporal Ricky Valencia.

Minister of National Security continues countrywide tour
National Security and public safety is paramount in any society. It reassures communities and promotes positive development of any nation. Keeping a society safe is the job of law enforcement agents and in Belize’s case it is our National Police Department. In order for these officers to carry out the gargantuan task of keeping the community they serve safe they require resources, both material and human. Apart from this it is important that the officers feel taken care of and also motivated. No one understands this better than our Minister of National Security the Honorable John Saldivar. He has since embarked on a mission to visit all the police formations and to engage in meaningful discussions with every officer in the Belize Police Department.

September Celebration Kicks Off on St. George’s Caye
St. George’s Caye was where it all started – a tiny undeveloped island that has morphed into the beautiful jewel the world now calls Belize. It may be easy to forget that 217 years ago there was a move to quash the settlement. Spanish troops loaded huge vessels and approached the settlement with a plan to clear the territory of a bunch of unwelcomed upstart wood cutters. What they did not expect was that a group of whites, free blacks and slaves would stand their ground. The details of their stance has been greatly debated. Undebatable; however, is the fact that this resistance by a few brave men and women paved the road to September 21, 1981 when Belize was granted Independence by Great Britain. And it is for this reason that we must remember the 10th day of September and never forget the significance of Cayo Cocina (St. George’s Caye).

Police and partners remain vigilant in the West
Police in the Western Region will need to remain vigilant to prevent further entries of illegal immigrants from across the Belize-Guatemala border. Recently there were two instances, apart only three days, where five Cubans were detained near Benque Viejo del Carmen and the matter is now being addressed by the Immigration Department. It will now be left to the Belize Courts to decide whether these ten persons will be deported back to Cuba or Guatemala. As recently as Friday of last week, a migrant was detained at a Benque Viejo Police checkpoint as he was travelling from Belmopan to the Belize-Guatemala border. Police now believe that this immigrant had burglarized a place in Belmopan. As revealed by this case, the vigilance of Benque Viejo Police with their regular checkpoints along the George Price Highway shows that the Belmopan, San Ignacio and Benque Viejo Police Formations are working well in conjunction with other security related personnel; as security in the West also hinges on the Belize Defense Force, Tourism Police, Special Patrol Units, Customs, Immigration and even the Forestry Department.

Zone Ten helps needy family in Cayo
Members of the Zone Ten Neighborhood Watch Executive, headed by Chairwoman Desol Neal, recently made a visit to rural Cayo to assist a family in dire need. The Zone Ten Team therein took the opportunity to provide psychological support as well as resources to the family. Funding for this effort by Zone Ten was derived from a Father's Day event that was recently held at the Santa Elena Basketball Court. Neal says that Zone Ten is committed to provide continuous support to the educational needs of the children from this family.

Belize Bank Bulldogs are National Softball Champions
The XXV National Women’s Softball Championship has now been recorded in the Sports Annals of this country. The six teams Double Elimination Format Championship saw some of the finest softball games played in the country for quite a while that brought fans to jubilation in Rogers Stadium the home of softball in the country. On Sunday 30 August, 2015, in the 11 and final game of the championship series which became necessary when the defending champions the Belize Bank Bulldogs rallied from an early deficit to upend BTL in game 10, saw the budding champions retained its title as National Softball Champions of Belize when it edged out the Belize Telemedia Ltd. (BTL) by the score of 5-4. BTL batting in the bottom of the 1st inning scored the first run of the game when Lydia Cacho reached on a hit by pitch and scored when first baseman Barbara Cadle drilled a Kenreen Gillett fastball into the left-centre field gap for the first run of the game.

Breaking Belize News

COLA skeptical of Fortis deal
This week Government announced a settlement with Fortis Incorporated regarding the acquisition of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL). It is now halfway to completion with passage secured in the House of Representatives, but opponents of the original takeover are asking: what was the fuss? Citizens Organized for Liberty through […]

COLA expands “Build the Base” campaign
Citizens Organized for Liberty through Action (COLA) has ramped up its campaign in support of the building of the Forward Operating Base at Sarstoon Island. In today’s briefing it introduced a set of T-shirts for those who support the campaign. President Geovannie Brackett suggested that Government would try […]

PM surprised by Ryon Wagner arrest
33 year old Police Corporal Ryon Wagner is tonight behind bars on charges of murder, after being accused of the death of laborer Eduardo Perez Sanchez, who was shot to the head and then dumped in a secluded area on the Young Gial Road, Teakettle Village, Cayo District. […]

When will Belize’s general elections be called?
While he was speaking about Guatemala’s general elections, Prime Minister Dean Barrow will soon face elections of his own. In summary according to our friends at Wikipedia, the last general election, actually a double with the municipals, was held on March 7, 2012. Following a 17-14 victory for […]

Southside Poverty Alleviation Project tackles housing
A total of $1,495,000.00 has been allocated for phase two of the housing project in the Port Loyola and Lake Independence Divisions, as part of the Southside Poverty Alleviation project being funded by the OPEC Fund for International Development. It is estimated that between 100-200 houses will be built for […]

PM sorry to see Guatemalan president’s resignation and speaks about upcoming elections
Following the breaking news overnight of the resignation of President of Guatemala Otto Perez Molina, who faces corruption charges in a long-running customs scandal, Prime Minister Dean Barrow told reporters today that his presidency had not been marked by as much hardline behavior as might have been expected […]

Three men and a minor remanded for drugs and ammunition offenses
Dominique Franklyn, John Henry, Elwin Evans and a 17 year old female minor are spending their first night at the Belize Central Prison after magistrate Hurl Hamilton remanded them for the offences of drug trafficking and possession of ammunition. For context, Corozal Police acting upon information intercepted two vehicles last […]

Orange Walk Traffic Department enforces road rules
This afternoon, about fifteen $1.50 taxi operators met with the Traffic Manager of the Orange Walk Municipal Traffic Authority to voice their concerns over their pick up and drop off zones. The Traffic Department is now enforcing the regulations and policies in place as it pertains to […]

PUP cancels youth radio show
Members of the youth and reform wings of the People’s United Party (PUP) are up in arms following the hasty departure of former standard bearer and youth advocate Micah Goodin, who has resigned as an executive member of the Belize Youth Movement and left his radio program, Outspoken, […]

Teen girl goes missing from home
Police are currently investigating reports of a missing teenager, 16 year old Jocelyn Flores of A-Street, Benque Viejo, who hasn’t returned home since early Sunday morning, August 30. Her mother, 42 year old Martha Flores, reported that she and Jocelyn went to sleep at around 1:00 a.m. and when she […]

Belize City branch of National Bank opens
The “people’s bank”, the National Bank of Belize, is opening a second branch in Belize City on Regent Street. Established two years ago as a low-cost option for public servants, the Bank has achieved and even exceeded expectations, according to general manager Alvaro Alamina at today’s opening. The […]

BELIZE ~ THE NOT-SO-OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL RESERVES
Belize’s OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL RESERVE position in 2014 was $486.8m, up from $291.5m in 2012, $166.4m in 2008, $35.8m in 2005 and $114.7m in 2001. “In a strict sense, foreign-exchange reserves should only include foreign banknotes, foreign bank deposits, foreign treasury bills, and short and long-term foreign government securities. [2] […]

Guatemala President Otto Perez Molina Resigns
The President of Guatemala, Otto Perez Molina resigned late last night after a judge issued an arrest warrant against him in connection to a growing corruption scandal that has put the country into a political crisis. Vice President Alejandro Maldonado Aguirre will take office to serve out Mr. Pérez Molina’s […]

Blogs

Dear Belize, it’s time to scrap your ban on LGBTI visitors
Belize is one of only two countries in the Western Hemisphere that still bans the entry of homosexuals. While the law is rarely enforced, it serves to stigmatize and vilify LGBTI people, who are regularly fired from jobs, evicted from their homes, bullied in schools, and suffer verbal and physical assaults. Repealing the entry ban on gays will send a clear signal that LGBTI people are welcome, and belong, in Belize.

Hotter than Hot sauce
Lately it has been hotter than hot sauce. Even our swimming pool was literally like bath water the other day. We have also been experiencing slightly more rain and the past 2 nights there has been middle of the night showers with enough rain to make me get up and close the east windows. That did not cool anything down however. During the daytime you can still spit on the ground and watch it sizzle. I swear it feels like I lose a litre of water every time I ride my bike to town and back to do errands. Thankfully 3 of my errands were in air conditioned buildings. First stop was Atlantic Bank where I had to once again try and sort out why my bank card and matching pin number were not working. I finally got the answer (after a few visits) apparently the very card I was holding was noted “lost” in my file and there for cancelled – go figure. I will be getting a new one within a week. I was glad to have an answer and cool off in the process.

It's slow season, and there is Sargassum, but everyone is still having fun in Placencia!
The Sargassum has been the talk of most of the Caribbean recently, and Belize and Mexico have been getting hit pretty hard for several weeks now. There have been days where it didn't seem more seaweed was coming in, but then the next morning would bring new patches floating around, just when we thought we were done! It is also hitting different parts of the peninsula different days--some parts aren't too bad, and you can still swim at Placencia Point, Maya Beach, and Tranquilo :) A great picture from Mylene Colmar on Twitter from Mexico, which represents how it looks pretty much everywhere, on a very very bad day--most days are about a 1/10 of this: There is still PLENTY to do here and the seaweed does NOT have to ruin your trip. Those that live here and run resorts are more than happy to guide you to where you won't have to deal with it. It could be gone in a week or a month but no one is canceling vacations over this! These two shots were taken within the week, no problem with the views!!

International Sources

Canada looks to keep focus against Belize
For training, Belize’s national team pits cops against robbers. Not the pre-teen version you played in your backyard. Rather, the domestic soccer derby version. After all, it’s CONCACAF, where bizarre things happen throughout World Cup qualification. Canada hosts a Belizean side Friday night at BMO Field that consists of players predominantly from two domestic clubs: Police United and the Belmopan Bandits. The former was – and maybe still is – comprised of actual law enforcement. We can’t be sure. They don’t have a proper website. As for the Bandits, well, we don’t want to speculate about alleged criminal pasts. It’s safe to assume Canada’s staff likely doesn’t know much about Belize heading into CONCACAF’s third round.

Canadian men look to dispatch underdog Belize in FIFA World Cup qualifying
Superstitious Canadian soccer fans may not be happy to know that Belize is home to the world's largest sinkhole. Located 100 kilometres from the mainland, "the Great Blue Hole" is 300 metres wide and 125 metres deep. Canadian coach Benito Floro will be looking to avoid blundering into a Belize-made hole as his team opens a home-and-away World Cup qualifying series Friday at Toronto's BMO Field. On the surface, it should be smooth sailing. British bookmaker William Hill has Belize as a 12-1 underdog. Canada is ranked 102nd in the world while Belize -- whose population is around 350,000 -- is No. 128. The Canadian men dispatched the Jaguars 8-0 on aggregate when they met in a similar qualifying tie in 2004.

What is Beach Seaweed?
Beach seaweed has been problematic this year, but don’t stress if you are expecting travel to the south. Some of the white sand beaches and crystal clear waters of the Caribbean are darkening with an influx of decaying sargassum. Brown-coloured seaweed, with small pods attached – also known as sargassum – are washing up on many beaches in Mexico, as far north as the Dominican Republic, and the eastern shores of Barbados, and reportedly smelling like rotten eggs. The decay and rate of sea weed found on the beaches has been so bad in recent years it has become a global issue, being blamed for everything from Rhode Island’s explosions in the sand to disrupting beach developments in West Australia. Sargasasum is a real nuisance this year, and has been a growing problem since 2011.

Videos

Berne Live On Belize Musicians Past And Present, 26min. Berne appears live on Belize Musicians Past And Present with Tony Wright and JC Arzu.

Spotted Eagle Rays in Belize, 14min. Swimmimg with spotted eagle rays while diving along the barrier reef in Belize.

Come Back from Belize, 4.5min. Bluegrazer

Stephen Fry in Central America Season 1 Episode 2 - Belize to Guatemala - Lights Out!, 62min.

Belize trip-Vimeo, 3min.

Belize Sun Dancer II, 24min. Scuba diving in Belize

Belize - wunderbare Vielfalt, 3min. Belize, das mittelamerikanische Land mit langer Karibik-Küste bietet faszinierende Erlebnisse an Land und unter Wasser. Das Video des Belize Tourism Board bietet tolle Eindrücke von dem, was Urlauber erwartet.

September 3, 2015

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

September Celebrations are officially opened
The National Celebrations Commission officially opened the 2015 September Celebrations on Sunday, August 30th, at St. George’s Caye. Under the theme “Belize renewed: Confident, Competitive, and Committed,” the upcoming weeks will see celebrations that highlight two important days in Belizean history, the 217th anniversary of The Battle of St. George’s Caye and the 34th anniversary of Belize’s Independence. The event saw the attendance of many patriotic Belizeans along with dignitaries such as the Governor General of Belize His Excellency Sir Colville Young, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation and Chairman of the National Celebration Commission Honorable Manuel Heredia Jr, Chairman of St. George’s Caye John Searle Jr. and several members of the diplomatic corp. The official welcome was delivered by Chairman of St. George’s Caye, John Searle Jr who spoke a little bit about the history of the battle of St. George’s Caye and the great significance it has for the nation of Belize. He urged all Belizeans to take a moment during the upcoming weeks of patriotic celebrations to really think what the celebrations are all about.

GOB settles with Fortis on 2011 BEL acquisition
PM Dean BarrowOn Wednesday, September 2nd, the Government of Belize (GOB) introduced a Bill in the House of Representatives and passed it through all three readings on the same day. The Bill formalizes a US$35 million dollar settlement with Fortis, as compensation for government’s acquisition of Fortis’ 70% shareholding of Belize Electricity Ltd (BEL). GOB sweetened the deal with a 33.3% shareholding in BEL, but the cash settlement was barely a tenth of the over US$300 million dollar value that Fortis had demanded as compensation when GOB nationalized BEL in 2011. The Bill goes to the Senate for final approval on Friday, September 4, and Governor General Sir Colville Young should sign the Bill into law on Monday, September 7, making possible the disbursement of the cash settlement to Fortis by Tuesday. he settlement averted possible political embarrassment for Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s administration, as Fortis had appealed the acquisition to the Belize Supreme Court and to the Court of Appeal, which ruled in GOB’s favor on May 14, 2014; at which Fortis took their case to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Had the CCJ ruled in Fortis’ favor and ordered the government to return BEL to Fortis, “that would have produced a…hell of a negative response on the part of the public,” P.M. Barrow declared, when he and Fortis’ Chairman Barry Perry first announced the settlement.

Belize Institute of Mixology graduates 25
The Belize Institute of Mixology (BIM) conducted its second round of bartending training in San Pedro, beginning with the introduction to bartending which took place from Wednesday, August 19 to Friday, August 21st. The second phase of the training took place from Monday, August 24th to Thursday, August 27th, and both events were held at the acclaimed Rain Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace located at Grand Caribe Resort. The introduction to bartending course saw 13 participants successfully complete the training. Participants had the opportunity to learn everything from making coconut cream from scratch, to maintaining liquor, creating garnishes, learning about glassware and other supplies/ inventory for the bar. They also learned to create exotic cocktails, as well as professionalism in the industry. At the end of this first phase of the training, the Minister of Trade, Investment Promotion, Private Sector Development and Consumer Protection Honorable Erwin Contreras was on hand to present the certificates. Contreras was impressed with the participants and commended everyone for their hard work and achievement.

Free Back to School Haircuts for Island Youth
On Sunday August 30th Councillor Hector “Tito” Alamilla of The San Pedro Town Council, in conjunction with Ballerz Barbershop, provided back to school haircuts for 75 island youth. The event started on Sunday morning at 8AM at Ballerz Barbershop located on Pescador Drive. The shop was filled with young men who waited for their turn at the barber’s chair of Brian Acosta. For the kids, this meant going back to school with a fresh new cut; however for Ballerz, it provided an opportunity to give back to the community that has given them so much. The initiative is aimed to alleviate some of the back to school expenses for deserving families. According to Alamilla, the council sponsored 75 coupons which were valued at $10 each. The coupons entitled each young boy to a free haircut and refreshment as they waited. Free transportation was provided to and from the barbershop by Alamilla himself for those that lived beyond town limits.

Misc Belizean Sources

"Pirates in Belize" Exhibition
The National Institute of Culture and History through the San Pedro House of Culture invite you to the launch of the "Pirates in Belize" Exhibition on Thursday, September 3rd, 2015 at the House of Culture.

Frank 'Papa' Mena sworn-in
Hon. Frank 'Papa' Mena was officially sworn-in as a member of the House of Representatives this morning. Hon. Mena is the newest member of the house and has been designated Minister of State in the Ministry of National Security.

El Matadero Park Refurbishment
They are refurbishing El Matadero park in Benque. If you would like to help, contact them at Benque Community Projects. "Refurbishing 'El Matadero' this two weeks now... Almost ready for painting! -hoping more community members join in to help!"

Battle of the DJ's
The SISE Town Council is having their Battle of the DJ's this Friday, on Burns Avenue, starting at 6:00pm, in honor of the September Celebrations. No microphones allowed!

August 23rd – August 29th, 2015 Belize Fishing Report
Tarpon were back on the bite this week and the nice weather made it possible to fish anywhere we wanted. The grand slams tell it all – the weather was good and the fish were hungry.

Citrus Products of Belize expects $1m profit 2014-15
The Citrus Products of Belize Limited (CPBL) held an end-of-crop meeting with citrus growers on Saturday, August 29, on the CPBL grounds in Pomona. The chairman of CPBL, Doug Singh, presented on behalf of CPBL, the owners of which include Banks Holding Limited of Barbados, which owns 46.6% of its shares; Belize Citrus Growers Investment Limited, which owns 41%; the Social Security Board, which owns 10%; and several other shareholders who own 2.4% of the company. CPBL has subsidiaries that include Belize Food Products, which is the facility in Alta Vista; Citrus Company of Belize, which is the factory in Pomona; and also various agricultural entities that grow citrus, which include Barton Creek Farms, as well as investments in Hummingbird Citrus Limited. Singh, in reporting on the CPBL’s deliveries, noted that the year 2008 marked the company’s largest delivery in recent years, with a total of 7.1 million boxes being delivered in that year. The company saw a reduction in 2009, and further reductions in the following years until 2012, when there was a bumper crop, following which there have been further declines to the levels of production we have been experiencing over the last three years – production lower than 5 million boxes.

JOB OPPORTUNITY
Sandy Point Resorts on Ambergris Caye is having a Job Fair in Corozal on Friday September 18th, 2015. Please open the ad to find out more!

IllumiNation Festival of Light in Corozal
The National Institute of Culture and History through the Corozal House of Culture in partnership with the Corozal Town Council is delighted to invite you to IllumiNation Festival of Light. This unique event is a patriotic celebration encompassing various forms of light such as candle, laser, glow in the dark, fireworks and more. Join in the festivities as part of the September Celebrations activities on September 9th at the Round House, Miami Beach as we usher in the 10th of September. Bring out the entire family!!!

Expo Belize Market Place 2015
BUY your tickets now and avoid the long lines. The Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be hosting Expo Belize Market Place 2015 this weekend, September 5th and 6th at the ITVET Grounds on Freetown Road in Belize City. Instead of standing in the long ticket lines you can buy your tickets in advance at our office, Doony's or Toto's and enter quickly via the ITVET gate facing Freetown Road. See flyer below for more information: See you there!!!

Channel 7

Fireworks Fly In Fortis Debate
On Monday , the Government of Belize and Fortis announced that they’d reached an agreement to settle on compensation after Government took over BEL in 2011 –acquiring Fortis’s 70% controlling interest in the power company. Government said it saved over a hundred million dollars in the settlement. But today when the settlement went to the House of Representatives for approval and debate the opposition was not convinced. And neither were they impressed with the Prime Minister’s math:.. Hon. Dean Barrow - Prime Minister "As mandated by the constitution of this country, confirm and underlined that now and forever more BEL in the majority will belong to the people and government of this country. 70 million dollars for 37% of BEL, in return for this 70 million government actually gets a value of 131 million dollars; because that is what 37% of BEL shareholding was worth according to the audited financial at the close of 2014 financial year. What is there not to like? And what’s there not to get?"

Requena Says Privatization Has Forgotten Rural Areas
And while the debate on the Fortis compensation package raged back and forth for hours, one member didn’t even address the economics or the politics of the takeover. Here’s how Toledo’s Oscar Requena put it:.. Hon. Oscar Requena – Area Representative, Toledo West "Toledo West has not seen a single benefit under this takeover of BEL Mr. Speaker; absolutely no benefits Mr. Speaker. And I want to make that absolutely clear. I challenge the prime minister and his UDP government and all those who are sitting there. I challenge them here today Mr. Speaker, I want them to point out to one single village in Toledo West that has received electrification under this government Mr. Speaker; none, none, none. Zero under the UDP." "Government has collected 14 million dollars in dividends Mr. Speaker, 14 million dollars in dividends. So I want him and his government to tell the people of Toledo West; to tell the people of Toledo, to tell the people of Belize how this is benefiting the Belizean people man. At the end of the day Mr. Speaker, no grand standing, no beating of the chest, no thumping on the chest and shouting that you are patriotic is going to solve the problems and the misery that our are living in the rural area because they lack electricity Mr. Speaker."

Keyren Tzib Still On Remand, Has Not Applied For Bail
For about a month and a half now, 24 year-old Coast Guard Officer Keyren Tzib has been on remand for the death of her common-law husband, 30 year-old Thytis Blancaneaux. Viewers may remember that police charged Tzib with manslaughter because they believe that she stabbed Blancaneaux to death. Well, she was back in court today for a hearing to find out how far the prosecution has progressed towards what is known as a P.I. or preliminary inquiry. That’s a hearing to decide if the prosecution has gathered enough evidence to try her in the Supreme Court. It’s expected that the preliminary inquiry will be a few months down the road, and so today, the prosecution simply asked for an adjournment of the case, which was granted. Tzib, who is expect to apply for bail some time soon, has retained Mayor Darrell Bradley as her attorney. Court reporters tried to ask Bradley why no attempts have been made yet to apply to the Supreme Court for bail, and he declined comment saying that Tzib’s family has requested that he does not speak with the press at this time.

Soca Queen Ernestine's Visa Revoked
Belizean Soca Queen Ernestine Carballo has had her US Visa revoked. News went out this morning on the Wake Up Belize Morning show, and when we spoke to Ernestine today on the phone and she told us that the visa issue is just one part of it. She told us that it’s the fault of LA and New York promoters who were negligent and circumvented the rules and regulations in the "entertainment business." She wouldn’t discuss it further, but this is probably a reference to special visa provision for performers and entertainers who have concerts in the United States. These have to be strictly adhered to, or the performer will be stripped of his or her visa. Ernestine – who is the winner of the 2103 and 2015 national song competition - was not prepared to give an interview today but told us she will speak to her manager and lawyer to set up an interview. We do know that artists such as her make their living touring in the United States, and transiting to the Caribbean through the United States so the loss of a VISA is crippling to their career.

CWU Censures Singh
Last night on 7News, we featured the comments of Chairman of the Social Security Board of Directors, Doug Singh. He told us that the Board of Directors will only consider an increase in wages and benefits for staff within the context of an increase in payments to pensioners. Well, that didn’t make the workers representative which is the Christian Workers Union too happy at all!! A release today says that Singh seems intent on, quote, “raising public sentiments against the workers and providing misleading and inaccurate information.“ First, off they say he commented to 7NEws in bad faith because both sides had agreed to a complete media blackout. Second, they say his comments are disingenuous and prejudicial especially what he had to say about pensions, for staffers and contributors: Doug Singh - Chairman, Social Security Board "I will say here now and I think I'm doing so in the best interest of negotiations. The board was presenting at this last meeting with a proposal for an increase in pension or pension benefits under the employee pension programme and it's substantial; my calculation it's about 16%. The board has sent a signal clearly at the end of that meeting that it won't even consider that until it is first able to consider pension increase to pensioners. Secondly, it certainly will not be in those numbers."

Parents Having Faith In Faith Nazarene Manager
Last week Friday, we told how the parents and the teachers of Faith Nazarene Primary School in San Ignacio, Cayo, were agitating to have the current principal, Policarpia Pech, removed from office. They have a laundry list of complaints against her, ranging from accusations of poor management, disenfranchising the teaching staff, and a lack of respect for the parents of the student population. Management of the Nazarene Primary Schools have investigated their complaints and they have taken actions to try to remove her, within the guidelines of the rules of the teaching profession. The management has sent a written complaint, along with a written report of an in depth investigation, to the Teaching Services Commission. That’s the only body within the Education Ministry that can remove her, and the Commission has yet to make any final decision on whether the complaints warrant her removal or not.

Four Hurt in Bus Lamp-post Collission
Last night we told you about the accident in Belmopan where a BBOC bus slammed into a lamp-post in an attempt to dodge an SUV. Well, SUV driver Luiggy Neyra and bus driver Tyrone Gillett were both served with notices of intended prosecution. In terms of injuries, Neyra complained of pain to his chest and neck while Gillett got a cut above his eye. Out of 54 passengers on the bus – only 4 received minor injuries.

Taiwan Students in Belize
Every year the strong relationship between Belize and Taiwan is reinforced through the Taiwanese scholarship program. And while a new crop of students left for the Island nation yesterday, a youth delegation from Taiwan came to Belize. 16 students from Taiwan are here as part of the 2015 International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Program and it all begins tonight with a special presentation at the Bliss. We met the students during their rehearsal and they told us just how new this experience is for them. Abraham Shu - Leader of Youth Delegation "The fundamental philosophy behind this is to give the younger generation an opportunity for all regions; and Taiwan scholarship offers opportunities for your students to got to Taiwan to see the world. The Youth Ambassador Programme is to let our kids to have an opportunity in their life time to see the outside world. And to see the difference between the cultures and bring back the knowledge for a better tomorrow."

Three City Fishermen Missing For Six Days
Three Belize City fishermen have been missing at sea since Thursday. That’s when 20-year-old Donovan Usher, of Sarstoon Street, 29-year-old Giovanni Murrillo, of Nargusta Street, and 33-year-old Jerome Betson, of Hyde Street, left for Turneffe Island at 6:30 am in a red and green 18-foot Mexican skiff called “Twista” and have not returned. They were reported missing by Murillo’s girlfriend, 24-year-old Dannica Usher. We contacted the coast guard today and they told us that they are looking for the trio at Turneffe but with no last known position it is a difficult case. We will keep following the

Madness Mas Camp Style
The Carnival Road March is just ten days away and to hype things up, all roads are leading to the carnival Mas camps around the city. It all started last night with the media rounds at the first five camps. Our first stop was at Rampage Mas Band followed by Evolution Mas Band, Pickstock Carival Band, Belizean United and Fantasy Explosion. Here’s what we saw: Our coverage of Mas Camp continues tonight with Trenchtown Masqueraders, Collet Royal Revellers, Jump Street Posse and Jam Jam.

Baby Burglars
A group of kids stole over $4,000 from a home on San Pedro. Nigel Dwight Belisle was looking after a home for some friends who are out of the country. After work on Friday evening Belisle went to lock the house but when he returned on Monday morning at around 9:00 the front door was opened and the glass on the left side of the house was broken. The back door was also opened. A number of electronic items and tools all to a total value of $4,517 dollars had been stolen. Police managed to recover some of the items on Tuesday and have detained two 15-year-olds, a 12-year-old, a 17-year-old and an 11-year-old - all boys from the San Mateo area. Police are still looking for 2 more boys in connection with this burglary.

Slovak PM Accused of Hiding Major Money in Belize
Viewers may not know much about the European Nation of Slovakia, but right now, Belize is making headline news in their country after a scandalous, and still unproven allegation has emerged that the current Prime Minister, Robert Fico is hiding over $700 million dollars of assets in this country. It seems political gamesmanship is global, because it’s an allegation coming from one of his political opponents, with general elections only a few months away. Prime Minister Fico has since called a press conference to refute this allegation in which he states clearly that he and his wife, Svetlana do not have and have never had any banking accounts in Belize, and that they do not and never did have any business interests here. He’s being backed up by the Slovakian Financial Intelligence Unit, which asserts that he does not have any financial or business interests here.

UDP Has 19
As you saw at the top of the news, the Fortis debate dominated the day at the House of Representatives. And so it almost passed without notice that a new Representative for Dangriga was sworn in. He is Frank Pawpa Mena, the 19th. Representative on the UDP side of the House. In his brief address after taking the oath – he said unity is needed:.. Hon. Frank "Pawpa" Mena - Area Representative, Dangriga "Time to unite is now; we need to unite as one. With the deep hope of our ancestors; we are a great people, intelligent and strong. We come from greatness; it’s in unity that we have development. May god be the leader of all our under takings" And following up on the theme of unity – we note that Mena was sworn in by and shook the hand of the Clerk of the National Assembly Eddie Webster – notable because in 2014, there was an apparently bogus report that Webster had set up a hit on Mena.

Major Housing Agreements Signed
Today, the Ministry of Works, represented by the CEO Errol Gentle signed 7 contracts with local contractors from the Lake Independence Division and another 15 from the Port Loyola Division to get started on works to build between 100-200 houses for first-time home owners in those 2 division. It’s part of the Southside Poverty Alleviation project being funded by the OPEC Fund for International Development, and this is the second phase of the project to provide housing and social assistance to needy residents of the city. For Lake Independence, over $600,000 will be spent in this phase, and an additional $895,000 will be budgeted for housing in Port Loyola. Today, the Minister of Human Development and Social Transformation explained how the program will work: Hon. Anthony "Boots" Martinez "I am very happy for the people in my constituency. This programme allows us in the initial stages to create over 100 employments among the contractors. For us in Port Loyola we have a different style of doing thing; like for example, our housing group has existed from 1993, an NGO group. Most of the contractors are people affiliated with that group, we basically have a wood house factory at 3 and 3 quarter miles which we do excellent production. And I think I am happy for the residence; I can talk for Port Loyola who has been waiting for a time now to be recipients of their new house and home repairs.

Channel 5

Electricity Acquisition Settlement Bill Passed in One Sitting
Today’s special sitting of the House of Representatives included matters of routine housekeeping, the introduction of one bill and the passage of two bills and two loan motions through the [...]

P.M. Barrow – Why Would Anyone Count the Cost of EAS Bill?
According to the Prime Minister – faced with such an achievement, it is inconceivable to him that anybody would stop to count the actual financial cost. Prime Minister Dean [...]

Opposition Welcomes Settlement with Fortis but Dislikes Terms and Concessions
Opposition leader Francis Fonseca says he gets it all right…and the People’s United Party actually welcomes the settlement of the four year protracted legal battle between G.O.B. and Fortis. But [...]

Opposition Leader Raises the Ire of P.M. Barrow, Legal Expertise Called to Question
Those comments by Fonseca drew a very heated response from Prime Minister Dean Barrow. He says that those wrongheaded assertions by the Leader of the Opposition are exactly why he [...]

How Much is Barrow Administration Spending on Litigation?
The Barrow administration, for better or worse, has been embroiled in seemingly unending litigation. And with that litigation has come criticism for G.O.B.’s choice of high-paid, select attorneys who have [...]

Who’s Benefiting from Fortis Settlement? Let’s Ask Julius Espat
According to the member for Cayo South Julius Espat, what is happening today with Fortis is all part of, in his words, a premeditated and wicked plan in which the [...]

P.M. Responds to Espat’s Comments
Now, if you expected those comments by Espat to be unremarked, you would be wrong. The Prime Minister always seems to reserve special attention for Espat, and today was no [...]

Trio of Fisherman Missing at Sea, Families Fear the Worst
A trio of Belize City fishermen remains lost at sea tonight after being reported missing by friends and family over the weekend. What should have been a routine one-day trip [...]

B.D.F. Commander Meets with Guatemalan Vice Admiral on Sarstoon Incident
When the Belize Territorial Volunteers led a mission to Sarstoon Island on August sixteenth, at least one vessel carrying members of the organization came into direct contact with the Guatemalan [...]

Was Guatemalan Navy Really Tailing or Escorting BDF to Cadenas?
A smaller BTV contingent returned to Sarstoon Island this past Tuesday, where footage of what appeared to be a high-speed chase led by the Belize Defense Force was captured by [...]

Brigadier General Says Cadenas Change-over Not Limited to Tuesdays
So, is the BTV squandering precious resources in trekking to the Sarstoon River weekly in an attempt to shadow the B.D.F. substitution at Cadenas? On Tuesday morning, Wil Maheia, along [...]

Why Sarstoon Island Isn’t Ideal Location for F.O.B.
At the launch of a spirited anti-Guatemala campaign last Thursday, COLA’s executive member Rufus X, a contractor by profession, issued an open challenge to the B.D.F. to have him build [...]

Coastguard Officer Keyren Tzib Charged with Manslaughter
Twenty-four-year old female coast guard officer, Keyren Tzib, remains behind bars tonight; she was taken to court this morning for a second time on criminal charges. Tzib is on remand [...]

Finnegan and Dolores Trade Words During House Meeting
Quite aside from the back and forth on the Fortis settlement, there was the usual bickering we’ve come to know and dislike at the sittings of the House of Representatives. [...]

…In the Middle of It All Toledo West Residents Just Want Electricity
That debate, though not so personal, continued with Oscar Requeña, member for Toledo West. He had the same concerns as his colleague from Belize Rural Central – that all the [...]

Mas Camp Fever Kicks off in Belize City
Carnival 2015 is quickly approaching with the King and Queen Competition coming up this Saturday and the spectacular road march set for September twelfth. On Tuesday night, the first round [...]

Belize Makes its Mark at CARIFESTA 2015
Belize has once again made its mark at the international cultural celebration known as CARIFESTA. The biennial event, which features the work of artisans as well as the creative arts [...]

Taiwanese International Youth Ambassador Performance Lights up Bliss
Tonight, starting at seven at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts, a group of sixteen art students from Taiwan will take to the stage for the 2015 Taiwanese International [...]

CTV3

CZMAI Holds Consultation in Corozal
The Coastal Zone Management Authority is responsible for implementing and monitoring policies that govern the use and development of the coastal zone areas in Belize. They do so by taking a multi-sectoral approach that links the effects of land-based activities on the marine environment. Today the representatives of the organization were in Corozal for a consultation geared on three objectives. One: presenting a draft on management of the coastal zone and getting final inputs on it, two: to give an overview of the mandate the coastal zone authority has and three: to hear about the issues affecting the northern region coastal zone. Director for the Coastal Zone Management Authority, Arlene Mejia Young, elaborated more on the consultation session. “We had a consultation session and we had three objectives for the session and the main objective was really to get final inputs on the drought integrated coastal zone management plan as well to be able to give an overview of the roles and management of the coastal zone management authority and institute and as well to hear directly from the community, concerns citizens about some of the coastal issues that are affecting this northern region...

Slovak's Prime Minister And His Wife Accused Of Hiding $700 Million Dollars Worth Of Assets In Belize
Belize is tonight making headlines on the Slovak news media as Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and his wife are being accused of hiding more than $700 million worth of assets in Belize. Fico has denied the accusation launched against him by Igor Matovi, chair of the Ordinary People and Independent Personalities, who said in mid-August that he received an anonymous letter stating that Fico and his wife had a letterbox company and a banking account with around $700 million in Belize. Fico rejected the claims, and with his wife at his side announced that he would file a criminal complaint against Matovi for slander. According to Fico, he and his wife have never had any banking accounts in Belize, and do not hold any stake and do not have managerial control in any company registered in Belize. The Financial Intelligence Unit informed the Slovak law enforcement authorities that Robert Fico and his wife do not have and have not had any personal or business accounts, or other financial products in financial institutions in Belize, and that they are not signatories of any accounts whose owners are legal entities in Belize.

New School Year Starts With Free Transportation For Secondary Students
The new school year has officially started and just as students have prepared for it, so has the Corozal District Education Center. As part of new initiatives in that district, Education Center Manager, Jahmore Lopez, says that they have provided for a new school transport for secondary school students. “We have had to make some adjustments in terms of the departure time and I believe we will be able to settle on a time as the ministry there are certain decisions that we make and we recommend and things are not written in stone we have to work with our stakeholders and so I was told you what Mr. Lopez six o’clock I believe it is too early we need to make the adjustment and so we say let’s look at six thirty and so we how the time adjustments are working out and so by next week we are going to finalize those times to say the run leaving let say Patchakan is leaving this time and that is the specific time, the one leaving Caledonia or the one leaving Corozal, I know that the run that originates in Paraiso we recommended that the run starts at six thirty as opposed to six o’clock because I was told that that was too early and so we continue to provide that service, we are also looking at some other initiatives and we invite our stakeholders to come in and assist us because there are certain things that we might be able to see but there might be other issues that we are not seeing an our mantra is that education is everybody’s business and so we invite the community to share whatever concerns because we are all in the business of trying to improve education in this district and in this country.”

BJAT Results Are Out
The results of the Belize Junior Achievement Test have been received at the Corozal Education Center but the information is yet to be analyzed. What we can tell you though is that the individual results for schools will also be sent to schools. The exam is taken by students in standard three and based on the results schools can individually place appropriate interventions to help improve students’ performance. Corozal District Education Center Manager, Jamore Lopez, says the education center can also use the information for similar efforts and collaborates with schools for such improvements. “If there were issues let say in mathematics we can then try to help that school community to see how they are able to improve whether it might be problem solving whether it might be comprehension, whether it might be calculation in terms of the four order of operations whatever it is we don’t tell schools what their problem it or how to solve it they need to tell us what they believe their problem is because we have moved away from this one size fits all we want that schools do their own assessments, their own evaluation and then they come to us and tell us we believe that this is our problem how are you be able to assist us in terms of technical support and then we work with those schools.”

Chan Pine Ridge Government School Inaugurates Newly Refurbished Bathrooms
Today the Chan Pine Ridge Government Primary School opened its newly refurbished boys and girls bathroom after works were completed by the Social Investment Fund. The Belize Social Investment Fund in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, and the school community implemented the school project as part of its mandate to work in line with the Government’s strategy in addressing the basic needs of Belizeans in the area of primary education. The project included the construction of a septic tank and drain field as well as replacement of existing fixtures such as wash hand basins, toilets, urinals and showers. Windows were also replaced, the electrical system was upgraded, walls were painted and the floors were tiled. Two water reservoirs were also connected to the plumbing system to serve as backup in the event of a shortage of water supply. The project has a total cost of $58,001.40 financed through a loan from the Caribbean Development Bank.

LOVE FM

Sparks fly at debate of Electricity Acquisition (Settlement) Act 2015
Today the House of Representatives met in Belmopan for the presentation of the Electricity Acquisition (Settlement) Act 2015. The act seeks to facilitate the implementation of the terms of a deed of settlement and compromise between the Government and the Fortis Companies arising from the acquisition by the Government of shares in Belize Electricity Limited […]

Opposition says millions lost in Fortis deal
The Electricity Acquisition Settlement Act includes exemptions that will be afforded to the Fortis Companies. According to the act, quote, “Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Income and Business Tax Act, the Exchange Control Regulations Act and Regulations made thereunder, the Stamp Duties Act or any other law, rule, regulation, order or instrument […]

Opposition questions legal fees, Prime Minister responds
Before the settlement was arrived at between the Government of Belize and Fortis Companies, the Caribbean Court of Justice was expected to make a decision soon on the matter. The matter went from the Supreme Court of Belize all the way to the Caribbean Court of Justice. That is not cheap and the legal firm […]

Fishermen reporting missing
Three fishermen have been reported missing. According to Police reports, Donovan Usher, Jerome Bowen and Giovanni Murrillo went to sea last Thursday and have not been seen or heard from since. Today Love News spoke with Anna Cardinez, Donovan Usher’s mother who said her son told her he had been receiving threats. Anna Cardinez – […]

BDF Commander speaks of presence in south of the country
Commander of the Belize Defense Force, Brigadier General David Jones was the guest on Love FM’s morning show today. Jones was asked about Belize’s military presence in the area of the Sarstoon. He said although Belize does not have a base in the Sarstoon, BDF soldiers have been traversing the Sarstoon for decades. Brigadier General […]

New member of the House of Representatives sworn in
Today was Frank “Papa” Mena’s made his first appearance as a member of parliaments at this morning’s sitting of the House of Representatives in Belmopan. He became the Area Representative for Dangriga after winning a bi-election. Today, he shared his first words as a member of the House of Representatives. Frank Mena – Area representative, […]

Will Belizeans benefit from Fortis deal, Opposition asks for answers
During the debate of the Electricity Acquisition (Settlement) Act 2015, Area Representative for Belize Rural Central, Dolores Balderamos Garcia asked what a lot of people have been asking. How will this settlement truly benefit the citizenry and in particular the rural communities? Dolores Balderamos Garcia – Area representative, Belize Rural Central “In old Hattieville people […]

Monkey River Villagers look for help
Paul Mahung reporting… ‘In a phone call to Love News, Monkey River village chairman Richard Pitts echoed strong concern for urgent help. Richard Pitts – Chairman, Monkey River Village chairman “I’m calling to appeal to both political parties to help four families here in the village that lost most of their homes due to erosion. […]

Taiwanese artists in Belize
A Taiwanese delegation will be putting on a performance at the Bliss center for the performing arts tonight. Ambassador of Kiribati and Head of the Delegation Abraham Chu told us what we can expect at the performance tonight. Abraham Chu – Head of delegation ““Belize and Taiwan have a very close relationship that is the […]

Minors detained for robbery on San Pedro
San Pedro Police have detained five minors and are looking for two more in connection with a robbery that occurred on the island. On Tuesday, Nigel Dwight Belisle reported to Police that last Friday he left his work site where he is a caretaker and when he returned on Monday he saw the front entrance […]

PUP calls for more accountability in settlement with Fortis
Yesterday Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that Government had arrived at a settlement with Fortis over Belize Electricity Limited. It is expected by next week Tuesday, thirty five US dollars will be deposited into Fortis’s bank account as part of the settlement. But before the settlement is paid out, the House of Representatives has to […]

Belize’s national football team heads to Canada
Belize’s National A Team left the country today en-route to Canada where they will be playing against the Canadian Team in round three of the World Cup Qualifiers matches. Some of the players spoke to Hipolito Novelo before boarding the plane. Hipolito Novelo reporting… “What’s going through your mind now leaving Belize and unto Canada? […]

Upgraded charges for Orange Walk East representative
Sitting area representative for Orange Walk East Marco Tulio Mendez has been charged for carnal knowledge. Mendez appeared in Magistrate Court yesterday where the six charges of aggravated assault of an indecent nature were withdrawn and three counts of carnal knowledge were laid against him. Mendez was in court along with his attorney Andrew Bennett […]

Early morning fire leaves family homeless
Fire officials responded to a fire early this morning at the corner of Nargusta Street and Mopan Street in Belize City. There they began to battle the flames that engulfed a two storey wooden structure. However, fire officials were able to contain the fire and prevent it from destroying the entire house. Unfortunately the lower […]

Illegal electrical connection cause of Friday night fire
Yesterday, Goldburne Adolphus better known as ‘Easy Glenn’ told Love News that his house had been destroyed by fire on Friday night. He did say that the cause of the fire was an electrical fault. Today, Benisford Matura of the National Fire Service, provided some more details saying that there was an illegal electrical connection. […]

Man claims negligence at KHMH
man is claiming that the Karl Heusner Memorial was negligent in the way his case was handled. Albert Hendy told Love News, three weeks ago he went to the institution for an MRI and was told he would have to get an emergency surgery because of complications. Hendy said he got the surgery, however things […]

Belize City Council holds flag raising ceremony
It is September 1 and most Belizeans are looking forward to their favorite event on the September celebrations calendar. This morning the Belize City Council held a flag raising ceremony at the Flag Monument. Hipolito Novelo reporting… “Mayor Darrell Bradley “Well this is something that has been the brain child of Councilor Dion Leslie he […]

Community police hands over hamper
The Toledo Community Policing Unit this morning made another generous presentation to a family of four in Punta Gorda. Paul Mahung reporting… The presentation of a food hamper was made to the mother of the family by personnel in charge of Punta Gorda Community Policing Unit Therese Allen. Therese Allen – PG Community Policing “In […]

Special Olympics Belize holds AGM
The Belize Special Olympics held their Annual General Meeting this past weekend to reflect on the growth and improvement of the organization over the last two years. Candy Armstrong is the Chairperson of Special Olympics Belize. Candy Armstrong – Chairperson, Special Olympics Belize “Last Saturday night we had our annual general meeting, it was not […]

PlusTV

Police Officer arraigned for murder
Thirty three year old Ryon Wagner, Police Corporal assigned to assigned as security detail to the wife of the Prime Minister Kim Simplis Barrow, was made to sit at the Magistrate’s court in Belmopan earlier today where he was slapped with one count of murder. Inspector Stephanie Grinage: Mr wa...

Tulio Mendez charged for Carnal Knowledge
Marco Tulio Mendez, Politician and Pediatrician, on February of this year was arraigned for six counts of aggravated assault upon female minors. Yesterday his charges were upgraded when we was slapped with one count of carnal knowledge. The embattled former area representative spoke to our colleague...

National team leaves for Canada match
Belize’s Jaguars are off to Canada for their highly anticipated third round FIFA World Cup qualifying match versus Canada, the first leg of which takes place at BMO Field in Toronto Friday afternoon. One man who will definitely be on the plane is Deon McCauley, ace striker who propelled Belize...

Accident on Hummingbird Highway in Belmopan
There was an accident this evening in Belmopan. It happened on the Hummingbird Highway in front of Gallardo’s Hardware store and involved a BBOC passenger bus and a private vehicle, a white Mitsubishi Montero. According to eyewitnesses the BBOC bus was heading towards Guanacaste Junction when the wh...

Human Remains of Woman found in Maya Mopan
A farmer in the Salvapan area of Belmopan came upon what appeared to be the remains of a person. According to Trinidad De Jesus Taliqu, Guatemalan farmer, at around 1:30 pm on Sunday August 30th, he went to cut some sticks about 300 yards East of Costa Rica Street when he found what appeared to be a...

Iris Salguedo is Miss San Pedro 2015
Miss San Pedro Beauty Pageant was held on Ambergris Caye this past Saturday. About one thousand persons filled the Hon. Louis Sylvester’s Sport Complex to cheer on their favorite contestant. The six delegates were; Vivian Magdalane Noralez, Ethel Siapa Viotodo, Tisan Francine Martinez, Iris...

21 year old man rapes old woman
There was another rape incident reported, this time in Belmopan. According to reports, a 21 year old male mental patient raped an elderly 83 year old woman, who is also a mental patient. The incident was reported today and happened at the Palm Center Mental Health facility in Belmopan. It is uncle...

Breaking Belize News

The Christian Workers’ Union (CWU): SSB Chairman mis-speaks against SSB staff
The Christian Workers’ Union (CWU) has spoken out against comments made by chair of the Social Security Board (SSB), Douglas Singh, who suggested that any proposed increase in pension or pension benefits would essentially be tied to or not considered without considering an increase in pensions for contributors, […]

Let’s Make a Change group seeks help for needy Corozal family
The recently started “Let’s Make a Change” group is seeking public assistance to finance a new home for a needy family in San Antonio Village, Corozal, as the family’s current home is in a severe state of disrepair and poses safety risks to them. The group was only […]

House Sitting adjourned, Fortis settlement Bill goes through all stages
Wednesday’s Sitting of the House of Representatives has been adjourned and the Electricity Acquisition Settlement Act has been passed through its first, second and third reading, only needing to be approved by the Senate on Friday before the government can make payment to Fortis for the BEL settlement. Other bills […]

Three fishermen missing since August 27th
Three Belize City men have been reported missing by their relative who said that she last saw them leaving for Turneffe Island in a red and green Mexican skiff named “Twista”, on the morning of August 27. Dannica Usher told police that her brother, 20 year old Donovan Usher of […]

San Pedro youths charged for burglary
San Pedro Police detained five male minors yesterday, September 1, and are seeking for two more juveniles pending investigation, in connection to a burglary that occurred sometime between August 28 and 31. Nigel Dwight Belisle reported to police yesterday, that the house he was taking care of in the Boc […]

SSB Chairman Says Fund Pensioners Come Before Staffers
According to 7 News the Social Security Board staff is in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, and they are asking for a package of salary increases and benefits. But, the Board of Directors was very unresponsive to the initial proposal. In fact, their counter proposal conceded […]

SIB stats not comprehensive on citrus: CPBL’s Singh
Chairman of Citrus Products of Belize Limited, Douglas Singh, says he has contacted the Statistical Institute of Belize (SIB) concerning their information on sales of citrus concentrate and oranges, down 49 and 53 percent respectively and fingered as a reason for the low rate of growth of the […]

Prime Minister Barrow, opens debate on BEL settlement
Prime Minister Dean Barrow opened the debate on the BEL settlement by saying that the introduction of the Electricity Acquisition Settlement Bill is a vindication of the government’s policy. Barrow said his administration maintains that the utilities of the country must be owned by the people of Belize. He added […]

BTV, COLA return to Sarstoon
Leader of the Belize Territorial Volunteers, William Maheia, accompanied by COLA’s Harley Burn, travelled to the Sarstoon Island once again yesterday morning, September 1, staying true to their commitment of visiting the area every Tuesday so as to monitor the movements of the BDF. The trip was not without event, […]

House resumes, Education Minister explains education loan
The House has resumed to approve the motions put forth by the government. Minister of Education Patrick Faber explained that the US $35 million loan from the CDB will be used to renovate existing schools, provide new furniture and equipment all throughout the country with a focus on rural areas. […]

Guatemalan President Stripped of Immunity
On Tuesday Guatemala’s Congress lifted President Otto Perez Molina’s immunity of office. It means that Perez Molina can now be charged for a customs corruption scandal that has rocked his administration in recent months. A hundred and thirty-two of one hundred and fifty-eight lawmakers approved the measures so that Perez […]

House Meeting in Session
House Meeting is now officially in session. Frank “Papa” Mena is taking his oath of allegiance as a new member of the House. Mena thanks his friends, family and supporters for their belief in him. He thanks Dangriga for standing firm with him. He said the time to unite is […]

GOB, Special Meetings Today
Members of the House of Representatives were summoned today at the national chamber for a special house sitting where important national issues will be discussed. One of those issues is the one surrounding the Prime Minister’s announcement on the payment of Fortis. Stay tuned as we will be updating our […]

Slovak PM accused of hiding assets in Belize
As 2016 elections approach in the European nation, Slovakia, the campaign trail is heated with accusations that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico is hiding more than $700 million worth of assets in Belize. Fico dismissed the claims saying neither he or his wife own any companies registered in Belize and […]

Belize has the most immigrants in Central America says OAS
Belize is the Central American country that has had the most immigration since the early 1980’s and permanent immigration flows in 2011 stood at about 4.3 per thousand population, about the same relative level as Barbados. The foreign-born population in 2013 represented 15.3 percent of the total Belizean population, the […]

Blogs

Twelve Questions for Sustainability
Today’s communities are facing concerns about climate change, environmental degradation, human health, loss of biodiversity, poverty, global working conditions, and the impact of multi-nationals on local communities. In response they are gradually shifting their thinking to favor environmentally and socially responsible actions in a system’s thinking format as described in last week’s posting on this Blog. Sustainability is one of the key platforms for value creation in the future community environment. Community groups taking the lead in proactively developing more sustainable strategies, technologies, products, and relationships are positioning themselves to survive and thrive in the changing world. Further, they are stepping up to the leadership challenge of the 21st century, using sustainable development in community advancement to address their most pressing problems in a system context. In order to accomplish this daunting task guidance from some type of framework is required to guide decision-making and strategic action as well as to keep everyone on the same page in advancing resiliency and improvement of community systems.

Fly free . . . in Belize
This magnificent creature was standing sentinel atop a palapa as I walked up the beach in Tres Cocos today. As I stepped toward the dock to get a better view the eagle emitted a sharp “Skree! Skree!” The bird took flight as soon as I put my foot on the dock. A long slow sweeping crescent up the coast. And quickly out of sight. But what a sight. As the pace and density of life slows on the island, this is a wonderful time for bird watching. The small lagoon just south of us is rapidly filling with ibises, with their long legs and downturned bills — a little gawky, a lot graceful. If enough rain and fish replenish the lagoon, we might get to see some roseate spoonbills, too, so pretty in pink. And the always reliable sandpipers, gulls, herons and egrets and our booming osprey clan.

How to make the best iced tea, an avocado tip and a cool camera trick
As hot as it has been in San Pedro lately I have taken to making iced tea again. Inspired by recent trip to Lamanai Landings in Orange Walk I found the missing puzzle piece to that. Stay tuned for that blog post (still editing video footage). I was always into making Sun tea and consider it the lazy cooks way to do it it does not get any easier that water, pitcher tea and sun. I used to use honey as a sweetener and while Belizean Honey does not taste quite the same as the sweet Canadian honey I was used to I still like it. However I found something even better and am not sure why I never thought of it before as I used to make it all the time for the humming birds – simple syrup. When we got to Laminai Landings and were chatting with Blanca and Enrique after checking into our room, they offered us an iced tea and immediately we were both wowed by the flavor. Blanca explained that simple syrup was the trick to making such good iced tea. I vowed when I got home I was going to try it and share my results.

A Walk South of San Pedro: Working on the Beach & the “Sargasso Situation”
Yesterday, I took the 1.5 mile walk to town. It’s been hot WAY HOT but moving slow…I made it. Just mildly drenched in sweat. There was a lovely breeze for the first time in a few days… Caribbean Villas Resort seems to be reclaiming their beach. Sand bags and sand fill. Delivered sand being used to fill in the bagged area. Fences, sand bags, sea walls…the shore line of Ambergris Caye is certainly changing. Let’s hope that these projects, like using sargasso to rebuild a beach, work!

Plongée au Belize
Le Belize est un petit pays d’Amerique Central, logé entre le Mexique et le Guatemala. Malgré sa petite taille, le Belize propose énormément de diversité notamment grâce a une grande foret tropicale et une fantastique barrière de corail. 250 kilomètres de cote qui permettent de faire exister le pays comme l’une des perles des caraïbes, et un des hauts lieux de la plongée mondiale. Le fameux Blue Hole de Belize attire chaque années des milliers de plongeurs et de free divers. Une région également propice à voir énormément de “gros” : requins baleines, groupers, dauphins, lamentins, etc. Petit clin d’oeil : récemment, la série Breaking Bad a remis ce pays sur le devant de la scène en utilisant dans un de ses dialogues une expression le mentionnant. Plutôt de bonne humeur, l’office du tourisme a invité toute le cast de la série a venir visiter le pays. Vous trouverez ci-dessous une sélection de photos, cliquez sur la photo pour accéder à l’originale.

International Sources

Infographic—Your Social Security Payments Overseas
According to the latest figures from the U.S. Social Security Administration, U.S. retirees overseas received more than $3 billion in social security payments in 2013. That number shows an increase of $160 million since 2012—and has nearly doubled since 2013. In total, 373,224 U.S. retirees received their social security payments as residents of a foreign country in 2013. Europe is home to the most U.S. retirees drawing their social security payments abroad (154,238), followed by Canada and Mexico (95,767), and Asia (70,586).

Wood Thrushes Connect Bird Lovers Across Borders
A crowd-funded geotagging project helped researchers figure out where these birds spend their lives. It’s hard to protect a bird’s habitat when you don’t know where it lives half of its life. And the Wood Thrush needs all the help it can get—the species’ population has declined by about two percent each year since 1966, according to Breeding Bird Survey data, leading conservation scientist Peter Marra to fear that the Wood Thrush will be “the next passenger pigeon.” Marra, who heads up the Smithsonian’s Migratory Connectivity Project, suspects that habitat disruption, climate change, cats, or other anthropogenic disturbances are responsible for the threatened bird’s decline, but at this point it’s impossible to nail down the cause(s) definitively. Recapturing a banded bird is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, except the needle keeps flying around and the haystack is infinite—Wood Thrushes don’t have high site fidelity, which means they flit around to slightly different breeding locations year after year. Of the 22 tagged thrushes in each location, each chapter was only able to recapture two birds, and one of the geolocators Forsyth Audubon managed to collect had a dead battery (they’ve sent it back to the manufacturer, and they may receive data from it eventually). But it didn’t really matter, because one GPS is really all you need—plug it in, and voila! The bird’s whereabouts for the past 12 months are immediately available. That’s how Forsyth Audubon figured out that their tagged bird had spent its winter in Belize. That was well inside the expected range—in fact, it was almost comically on-the-nose. Chapter members had suspected their birds might go there, and in 2014, they had traveled to Belize to collaborate with the Belize Audubon Society on a series of other projects. Now they had proof. During the 2014 winter trip, says Jeremy Reiskind, former president of the chapter, the North Carolina Auduboners and the Belize society members connected over the Wood Thrush, even though the North Carolinians didn’t realize the birds they were spying on could be the same birds that flitted about their own homes in summer. When the Forsyth Auduboners realized that the Belize Auduboners had never heard the Wood Thrush’s mating song—the bird only mates on the North Carolina side of its life— Reiskind and the group played it for them, to great applause.

Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina Resigns Amid Scandal
Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina stepped down late Wednesday in the face of a major corruption scandal, his office announced, according to The Associated Press. Perez Molina is being investigated for bribery, fraud and illicit association. A judge on Wednesday granted a request from the attorney general for the president to appear in court for testimony. Perez Molina was stripped of presidential immunity on Wednesday, and could face jail time if found guilty. Former Vice President Roxana Baldetti, who resigned in May, has been detained and is awaiting trial. Several other officials in his government have already resigned. Prosecutors, who were working jointly with the UN, alleged that Perez Molina and other government officials took bribes from companies in exchange for lower tariffs. The president has denied any wrongdoing. His resignation comes days before Guatamala's presidential election. Perez Molina was not running. News of the fraud ring sparked months of protests and calls for Perez Molina to resign. As The New York Times reported, the Roman Catholic Church even urged him to step down.

Canada vs. Belize | CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying Preview
Things are starting to get serious for Canada in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying, with CONCACAF’s semifinal round getting underway in November. But before play begins in that group, Canada must first get past Belize in a home-and-home series. While the two teams are surprisingly close to one another in the most recent FIFA rankings (Canada at No. 101, Belize at No. 123), most Canadian fans will view the series against the small Central American nation (with a population under 350,000) as a mere formality. Belize has never reached the penultimate round of World Cup qualifying, and will be motivated to make a bit of national team history. Canada, meanwhile, has some motivation of its own after a disappointing CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament over the summer. With the first leg coming at BMO Field, where Canada has never lost an official match, Les Rouges will be anxious to put themselves in a comfortable position ahead of the second leg. Anything less than a victory by several goals will leave the team’s emotionally scarred supporters feeling supremely antsy heading into the return leg down in Central America.

Videos

Living in a Land of Make Belize, 3.5min. Disclaimer: The animals featured in this video are not pets, they are victims of the illegal pet trade and are being rehabilitated so that they can be released back into the wild--where they belong.

Looking for lunch in San Pedro Belize, 1/2min.

Mission Belize 2015, 8min. Highlights from our youth mission trip to Belize. from Vertical Church

Thatch Caye Resort - Belize Dangriga, 2min. With a restaurant and a pristine beach area, Thatch Caye Resort is located on a private island in Dangriga. This incredible all-inclusive resort offers guests on-site dive facilities and kayaks to explore the area. The bungalows at the property boast excellent 180-degree sea views from their private overhang patios. They include ceiling fans, tiled floors and a private bathroom with hot water. The cottages feature a roof-top deck. A wide range of Belizean and International dishes are served at the propertys restaurant, and guests can also enjoy drinks at the Starfish Bar.

Day 3 of the Amazing Belize Trip 2015, 35min. The Cave tubing and Zip-lining recap of Belize also called a canopy tour.

PESCA TV SKY 236 - PESCAVVENTURA: BELIZE, 3min. Pesca TV Sky 236: in questa pillola di PESCAVVENTURA, Alberto e Marica sono in Belize, gioiello del Mar dei Caraibi, a pesca di bonefish...rigorosamente a mosca.

September 2, 2015

Last night's TV news on Channel 7, Channel 5, LOVETV, PGTV, West Vision (Cayo) and CTV 3
Also with the most recent Open Your Eyes, Rise and Shine Morning Show, and the Dickie Bradley Specials

The San Pedro Sun

September: It’s our month!
If there is one month of the year that Belizeans eagerly await it has to be September. After all it’s the most patriotic month of the year with three big days for Belizean at home and abroad. From the St. George’s Caye Day on September 10th to National Service Day on September 18th and ending it off with Independence Day on September 21st, the month of September is rightfully ours. And in Belizean fashion we turn any special event into an all-out celebration.From as early as September 1st businesses, landmarks, town halls and any other important building across the country is decorated in red, with and blue – the colors of our flag.

It’s all about the Pork Head Carnitas!
As Belizeans we know how to make the best of the little we have. And when it comes to food, sometimes the most unexpected eats are the most delicious of all. Pork is a staple in Belizean cuisine, and you best believe we eat every last edible bit of that pig. So what would you do with a pig head? I know what we would do: PORK HEAD CARNITAS!!Oh just thinking about it makes my mouth water. I love pork carnitas, especially as tacos. It’s rather simple to make, but it takes quite some time. First of all you have to brine the head over night. Basically you put water in a large pot add lots of salt, about half a pound brown sugar, star anise, cloves, bay leaves, fresh crushed garlic, oregano leaves, and some cumin (please note: Belizeans rarely cook with precise measurements).

Equipment Donated to Tourism Police Unit
The Belize Tourism Board (BTB) presented the Tourism Police Unit (TPU) with five (5) Yamaha XTZ125 CC trailbikes and twenty eight (28) handheld radios to assist the TPU in carrying out its mandate, which is to enforce tourism legislation and safeguard the tourism industry. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation, Hon. Manuel Heredia Jr., did the handing over. The trailbikes are designated for the Tourism Police Formation in Hopkins Village, Orange Walk, Ambergris Caye, Cayo, and Belize City. Hopkins Village has popular sites nearby such as Mayflower Bocawina National Park and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. The motorcycle will assist greatly in Orange Walk, as the TPU does not have any form of transportation at the moment. Northern Ambergris Caye is not easily accessible, therefore a trailbike will allow for the deployment of the TPU and rapid response capabilities. The Cayo district is a large stretch of land rich with diverse activities and ecotourism, therefore this trailbike is much needed. In Belize City, patrols are needed to ensure that only licensed operators are taking guests on tours and to increase police visibility to deter criminal activity in the Fort Street Tourism Zone.

Ambergris Today

Flashbacks - The Talented and Artistic Dimas Guerrero
Perhaps a lot of you do not know that one of San Pedro's first and talented artists is Dimas Guerrero Sr. As a young fisherman in San Pedro, Dimas used his free time to practice his talent of painting. He decorated all the bar establishments with colorful paintings of island scenes and beautiful women in swim suits. Dimas also painted T-shirts using tie dye, stencils and spray paints. As a fisherman and diver, Dimas came across black coral which he used to expand his artistic talents and business, D & G Gift Shop. There Dimas worked with corals, conch, turtle shells, conch pearls, taxidermy, coconuts, lobster claws, and more. Ah, Dimas also made his own black ink using smoke and soot and practiced making free hand drawn tattoos of sharks, hearts and more. This flashback illustrates a Tenth of September float made by Dimas depicting tourism, fishing, island life, and his gift shop D & G's. Ambergris Today and Flashback salutes Dimas Guerrero the artist, gift shop pioneer, and community activist.

25 Years Ago: Miss World 1986 Visits San Pedro
Almost thirty years ago, (Were you born already?) the very young town of San Pedro was honored and graced with the visit of Miss World 1986. She was a lovely Caribbean woman, Giselle Laronde. Giselle Jeanne-Marie Laronde-West, born October 24, 1963 is a Trinidadian model and beauty queen who won the Miss World 1986 contest, representing Trinidad and Tobago. Walking away with the title Miss World 1986, Giselle Laronde West became the first woman from Trinidad and Tobago to be victorious in the Miss World pageant, at the age of just 23 years. She became the second woman from that nation to win an international beauty pageant, after Janelle Commission Miss Universe 1977 . The pageant was held in London, United Kingdom.

Mexican Embassy Works on Boosting Tourism in Belize
Mr. Oliver Darién del Cid, Belize’s Ambassador to Mexico was in San Pedro on Monday, August 31, 2015, as he hosted a media and travel agency group on a familiarization trip to the country. This was done in collaboration with the Belize Tourism Industry Association (BTIA) in order to increase the traffic of Mexican national for tourism purposes to Belize. Ambassador Darien del Cid, commented that this was the first ‘fam trip’ organized from Mexico City. “There are a lot of people who come to Belize from Mexico, to the casinos to the Free Zone and a lot of Mexicans think that is all there is to Belize,” commented del Cid. Ambassador del Cid stressed that the level of tourism traffic from Mexico to Belize is maybe 5,000 to 6,000 per year, but that the potential to unlock a larger market is tremendous.

Misc Belizean Sources

Communique: Government of Belize Press Office
Special Sitting of the House of Representatives to be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2015 in the National Assembly Chamber in Belmopan.

My Refuge Christian Ministry in San Pedro
Members of My Refuge Christian Ministry, headed by Director Pastor Richard Smith made a courtesy call on the Mayor of San Pedro Daniel Guerrero on Saturday August 29th. During their short meeting, the Mayor shared some of the social challenges the island has been experiencing after which the group prayed for Mayor Guerrero and the councillors. The My Refuge Christian Ministry members were on the island to conduct prayers on various streets of the island as part of their outreach initiative.

Battle of St. George's Caye Exhibit
The SISE House of Culture is unveiling their Battle of St. George's Caye Exhibit this Friday. "Come join us this Friday September 4th at SISE house of Culture, for Battle of St George's Caye Exhibit Launch."

Rotaract Fills Backpacks
Feelgood news of the day. The Rotaract club of Benque delivered the first round of backpacks to the students that needed them. Looks like they had a lot of fun doing it too. Thanks, Rotaractors, for making a difference in the lives of those students! "Through the collaboration of the Principals and Teachers at Mount Carmel Primary School and Hills of Promise Primary School in Benque Viejo, La Inmaculada Primary School in Arenal and San Jose Succotz Primary School, a total of 40 deserving children were selected as beneficiaries of this year's program. Selection was done based on the family's financial need. On Sunday, August 23, 2015 school bags with supplies were given to children and parents of children from Hills of Promise Primary School and Mount Carmel Primary School in Benque Viejo. The families were extremely grateful for the assistance as this helps them to alleviate their expenses for this coming school year 2015-2016. "

"Coco Craze"
Paint N' Splash Thursday at Crazy Canucks Beach Bar 2p.m! See you there!

Tour Guide training course
Those interested in taking the Tour Guide training course or those that have signed up must meet at the primary school tomorrow night at 7:00 p.m. Please note that there is a deposit of $400 upfront required. The balance of $250 is to be paid at a later date to be determined. Please inform those that you know are interested in taking the course and have not signed up as yet, as well as those that have signed up already. Thanks in advance! P.S. For more info, contact my mother, Ms. Ellen McRae, at 226-0178.

Beginners Arts and Crafts Classes
Fun things that you child can learn with Jacqueline Woods. Classes begin Sept. 14th, 3.5 miles George Price Highway at Cisco construction compound.

Belize Hosts Canada
The Belize Jaguars will be travelling up to Canada this week, and then they'll host Canada next Tuesday in Belmopan. They have a great video out hyping up the event. Go Belize! "It's the first day of September and we all know what that means - it's celebration time in BELIZE! And what better way to kick off than cheering on our Belize National Team as they travel to Canada for round 3 of competition as they battle for a spot in the 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia. Join us in sending your well wishes for their success! Good luck Jaguars! We know your CONFIDENCE, COMPETITIVENESS and COMMITMENT will bring us yet another win!"

Channel 7

PM's Wife's Driver And Security Guard Remanded For Murder
Up to last week, he was the personal security for the Prime Minister's wife - but tonight police Corporal Ryon Wagner is in jail, remanded for the murder of Nicaraguan Eduardo Manuel Perez Sanchez. The Corporal was arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate's Court this morning. It's super rare for a police officer to be charged for murder - and super embarrassing when that police officer was one of only three officers handpicked to look after the security of the Prime Minister and his family. And if that weren't enough to cast shame on the department, there is the additional report that Wagner and another police officer - who has not been charged - went to the police station on Friday more or less broadcasting that one of them had killed a man. At that time, we are told, police did not take Wagner's gun. And so all that may be why, police have been very guarded in their remarks about the case. Inspector Stephanie Grinage, the Deputy Commander of the Belmopan Police Station was brief with our colleagues from Plus TV in an interview this morning:

Police Have No Clues In Russell Killing
Police have not detained anyone for the murder of Russell Hyde and Marcy Humes. They were both shot and killed at Hyde's house in Camalote on Friday night. Hyde, Humes and another man had just arrived at Hyde's home when they saw flashlights coming towards them. Hyde told Humes to quickly open the door to the house but 3 men emerged and shot her twice - once to the chest and leg. Then as Hyde was trying to dash away, the gunmen shot him 4 times at close range. The other man escaped unharmed. Police are still trying to find him and following up on other leads.

Jaguars Go Looking to Make History In Canada
Right now, the Belize Jaguars are on their way to Toronto, Canada for a World Cup Qualifier on Friday. It's the first time Belize has reached the third round of qualifying - and this will be their toughest matchup yet, against the team that is ranked 101 by FIFA. Belize is ranked 123rd but has a lot to prove, after Canada beat us 8 to nil on aggregate goals, back in 2004 - which is the last time the two countries met in world cup qualifiers. So, Friday's game at the BMO Stadium in Toronto will be a time for the ascendant Belize team to prove itself against first world competition. High stakes, and our 7News team was at the airport this morning when they checked in to fly out, and we spoke with a few of the players about the game:

PUP Finds Fault With Fortis Compensation
Yesterday we showed you the Prime Minister and the CEO of Fortis Barry Perry after they agreed to a compensation package for government's BEL takeover back in 2011. According to the math we did, government saved itself a few hundred million dollars and it did so without having to pay any interest or damages. But, the PUP issued a statement today blasting the settlement, saying it comes at, quote, "a high cost and a heavy price." While conceding that, quote, "we are glad that a settlement has been arrived" the PUP adds that , quote, "The Prime Minister owes it to Belizeans to immediately and fully disclose the real cost of the seizure of BEL…in real terms - including all the legal costs.. and in particular (those to) Barrow & Co." They conclude, grimly, quote, "History will judge whether Barrow will in fact be absolved, or held culpable." The Opposition will have its say in the house tomorrow when the settlement goes to the house for approval.

Not Much Ado In Sarstoon Today
Wil Maheia, the border activist and independent politician, went back to the mouth of the Sarstoon River today. And what did he find? Nothing much, but, that's because it was just another day at the Sarstoon Delta. Maheia reports that they observed a Guatemalan gun boat sitting in Guatemalan waters, which is standard. He and his team also noticed several small Guatemalan fishing vessels poaching in the Belizean waters, which, as we've shown you, is also standard since there is no heavy civilian or law enforcement presence in that area. Finally, Maheia notes that they were at the Sarstoon River mouth from before 6 a.m. this morning, and there was no BDF change-over today. Change-overs, as we told you, usually happens on Tuesdays, so that is some importance. However, as General David Jones explained in the Prime Minister's Press Conference 2 weeks ago, the BDF has been changing up their Tuesday routines so as to not be so predictable to observers - such as the Guatemalan Navy - who watch their movements to try and predict their activities. The General said that the change-overs may take place every other Tuesday, and the routine is changed constantly.

Guatemalan President Perez Molina Stripped Of Immunity From Prosecution
And south of the Sarstoon, things have gotten that much more tenuous in Guatemala after that country's congress voted to withdraw President Otto Perez Molina's immunity from prosecution. It was quite a scene outside the congress building in Guatemala City where Guatemalan civilians who want Perez Molina out, formed a wall of bodies to let lawmakers get into Congress. They formed that wall to protect the lawmakers from presidential loyalists trying to block a vote on withdrawing the President's immunity from prosecution. 105 votes or two thirds of the congress was need, but, in the end, the vote was unanimous, all 132 lawmakers who attended the session voted to strip him. The 64 year old Pérez Molina becomes the first president to have his immunity revoked in the Guatemala's history. The vote clears the way for prosecutors to charge him with masterminding a customs fraud scheme that allowed businesses to reduce their duty by paying bribes to corrupt officials.

Remains Found In Belmopan
Human remains were found in Belmopan on Sunday afternoon. Guatemalan farmer Trinidad De Jesus Taltiqu went to cut some sticks near Costa Rica road in Salvapan when he found the skeletal remains behind some bushes. Belmopan police gave us the information they have so far. Insp. Stephanie Grinage - Deputy Commissioner, Belmopan Division "On 30th August, about 4:20pm, based on information received, police visited an area at the end of Costa Rica Street, Salvapan area, Belmopan City where police observed what is believe to be skeletal remains. The skeletal remains were taken to the Western Regional Hospital Morgue and it is now awaiting analysis by doctors." The examination on the remains have been completed and it shows that these remains belong to a female older than 18. The female died 3 months ago. Now police are revisiting missing persons reports filed during this time to try and determine, whose remains these might be.

SSB Chairman Says Fund Pensioners Come Before Staffers
As we told you two weeks ago, the Social Security Board staff is in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, and they are asking for a package of salary increases and benefits. But, the Board of Directors was very un responsive to the initial proposal. In fact, their counter proposal conceded almost nothing. On Sunday we asked Doug Singh who chairs the board of Social security about it and he explained that the Board's position is tied to pensions - not for the workers, but for contributors: Doug Singh, Chairman - Social Security Board "I will tell you something that and they last said at the last negotiating time, that the board must consider and look positively at the ability of the organization to increase pension to pensioners. Ultimately, the Social Security fund are for the people who contribute." Jules Vasquez "Not for administrative bloat." Doug Singh, Chairman - Social Security Board "Not for administration bloats. And so whatever the staff get, will be a function of what the board can recommend for pensioners out there. So we are looking at the possibility of recommending a pension increase for pensioners this year hopefully. And I'll tell you, I have said this to the negotiating party and for management that really we are serious about this. Ultimately the board of directors is here to safeguard the fund and to look after the interest of the beneficiaries.

Singh Says No To SIB Stats
We also asked Singh to switch back to his other hat - the one as Chairman of Citrus Products of Belize Limited. Last week the Statistical Institute of Belize put out GDP figures for the first half of the year. And the second quarter had a sharp downturn because citrus deliveries for that period when compared to 2014 were down sharply. Singh says that is an incomplete picture:... Jules Vasquez "The primary downturn that attributed to the negative growth in GDP is citrus; 49% less concentrate for the secondary sector and in the primary sector 53% fewer oranges. Explain to me?" Doug Singh, Chairman - CPBL "Well we contacted the Statistical Institute to report to them that the information or the primary focus on the information was misinterpreted and I think that perhaps they need to look at the larger period. When they pointed that out, they were comparing the month of June with the previous year June. Citrus, it's not about what I sell this month, it's about what I sold for the period. So, if they took the entire 9 months and compared it with the previous 8 months, you would have seen very minimal change.

It Ain't Easy For Glen After Fire
Well known street operator Goldburn "Easy Glen" Adolphus… he made our newscast last month after being charged with assaulting a police officer. His woes worsened this weekend when the house he was renting burnt down. Adolphus took us to the location of the rubble and scorch marks where his home used to be and told us why he's hoping that you will help him and his family to get back on their feet: Goldburn "Easy Glen" Adolphus, Fire Victim "First thing of all the house is not mine. I am renting. This happened Friday night, I would say at around 9:30 - 10:00. When I came home I saw smoke coming from the top. But I wasn't paying it any attention. I just went and look underneath the cement block and pick up my key and open the padlock. When I pull open the door there was fire coming on me and when I look the entire hall was full of fire. Then I look towards the front room, because you could see the front room, but the amount of fire and heat that was coming from there - I made an attempt to go in there and so forth, because I have a stash under the marley that I saved. I couldn't get in there and so I yelled for my neighbor and thing and try help with one-one bucket of water. That couldn't work. All our appliances for my wife and I, all of that got destroyed."

Gang Rape In Toledo Village
There was a disturbing gang rape case in Indian Creek in the Toledo District on Sunday evening. A 21 year old woman was walking alone near the Nim Li Punit junction at around 4:30 when 4 women grabbed her, beat her and pushed her in some bushes nearby where a man held her down while another man raped her. We spoke to Punta Gorda Police this evening and they told us that the woman knows one of the women who attacked her: she is also from Indian Creek. The police are still trying to figure out if it was a planned attack specifically targeting the 21 year old. The woman was walking with 3 other friends but they left her along the way. Police have no one detained so far.

BBOC, Bang!
No one was seriously hurt when a BBOC bus ran into a lamp-post this evening in Belmopan on the hummingbird Highway. According to reports, the Bus was loaded with passengers - and headed out of Belmopan on the Hummingbird highway, but had to dodge an SUV which was reportedly turning into Shanghai gas station. The bus barreled off the road and into a lamp-post while the SUV ended up in a yard. Only minor injuries are reported for the passengers on the bus.

Where The Streets Have No Name (Yet)
Edmond Castro's public image has been battered in the media and in the courts, but in Belize Rural North, he's still undefeated. And he hopes to cement his lead by paving streets in Maskall, the biggest village on the old northern highway. Castro has already seen to the paving of a good many miles of the old northern road - and now 1.5 million dollars in Petrocaribe funds are seeing to the construction of new roads in the old village. Today 7news travelled to Maskall to check out the news streets. The project is expected to be completed in the next month, and then continues on to Sandhill Village.

Water Woes In Maskall
It is extremely rare to experience a complete loss of pressure to your water main. However- if this happens at your home, there are a number of possible causes - for example- trapped air- a burst main or service discontinuation…due to non-payment. And that is exactly what villagers in Maskall are experiencing after many refused to pay the 9 dollar flat rate for water supply. It's now two weeks since the entire village has been without of water. The village water system which is operated on electricity was cut off due to the fact that they cannot afford to pay the electricity bill. We found out more from the Water Board Chairman: Ilda Swift - Chairperson, Maskall Water Board "Simply because the villagers don't want to pay. The fee is $9 per month, but the majority refused to pay. That ran up the bill to $1,200 to BEL. Is it going on for roughly 2-3 years, but this is the worst it has ever been." Monica Bodden "How many villagers household is hooked up to the water pump?" Ilda Swift - Chairperson, Maskall Water Board "Roughly like 100 families."

Perfectly Pink In Cayo
It's not every day that a boutique makes the news, but on a business level, Pink Boutique is doing something interesting: they're establishing a brand and trying to become the first chain of clothing stores in Belize. And they're using major square footage to do it. They've got outlets in Belize City and San Pedro, and recently expanded their store in San Ignacio. 7News was at the re-opening on Saturday:.. The new store is 1,600 square feet.

Channel 5

Special Envoy’s Bodyguard Arraigned for Murder of Nicaraguan Laborer
Special Patrol Unit Officer Ryon Wagner, the bodyguard assigned to the Prime Minister’s wife, Kim Simplis Barrow, was arraigned in the Belmopan Magistrate Court this morning on a single charge [...]

Witness Provides Statement in Double Murder of Russell Hyde and Marcy Humes
And in other news from Belmopan, a witness in the brutal slaying of the notorious Roaring Creek resident, Russell Hyde and Marcy Humes has given a statement to police. Authorities [...]

Still No Arrests in Malik Dixon Murder
An arrest is yet to be made in the weekend murder of twenty-year-old Malik Dixon, who was fatally shot as he rode a bicycle along Flamboyant Street on Saturday night. [...]

Jaguars are Canada Bound for World Cup Qualifier
Belize plays Canada this coming Friday at the BMO field in Toronto. And we are pleased to announce that we have teamed up with Channel Seven to bring you the [...]

Ramada Belize City Princess Sold to Asian Company
Late this evening News Five received confirmation of very significant news which happened completely under wraps. The Ramada Belize City Princess has changed management, effective today. We are told that [...]

Now that a deal to pay Fortis seventy million dollars plus thirty-three point three percent of shares has been sealed by G.O.B., was the acquisition of B.E.L. in the best interest of Belize?
And tonight’s question is: now that a deal to pay Fortis seventy million dollars plus thirty-three point three percent of shares has been sealed by G.O.B., was the acquisition of [...]

PUP Disagrees with GOB’s Fortis Settlement
On Monday Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced a settlement with Fortis on the arbitrary 2011 acquisition of that company’s shares in B.E.L. G.O.B. will be paying seventy million dollars to [...]

COLA Joins BTV in Returning to Sarstoon Island
Another expedition to the Sarstoon by the Belize Territorial Volunteers took place early this morning. The group has committed to trek to the Sarstoon every Tuesday, which is the day [...]

Ray Davis is No Longer Senator for Unions
Ray Davis is no longer the Senator representing the Unions. The decision was taken by the General Council of the National Trade Union Congress of Belize last week, but there [...]

Woman Raped in Indian Creek Village
Tonight the Punta Gorda Police Department is investigating an unusual and very disturbing allegation of rape. Over the weekend a student claims that she was beaten up by a group [...]

Teen Robs Teen of School Bag and Laptop in Ladyville
Classes have just resumed, but tonight a student, who is a minor, is a suspect in the robbery of an even younger student. The incident happened on Princess Margaret Drive [...]

Human Remains Discovered in Salvapan
Belmopan Police have made at least some progress in identifying skeletal remains found Sunday in the Salvador Area of Belmopan. A Guatemalan farmer, who went to cut sticks in a [...]

Third Drug Trafficking Conviction for Andrew Smith
A Western Pine resident, who had two unpaid drug trafficking bills, was escorted to court today on a third charge. He is twenty-eight-year old Andrew Smith, a resident of the [...]

Early Morning Fire Leaves Family of Three Homeless
The lower flat of a two-storey building was gutted by a fire early this morning in the Old Capital. The blaze started in the kitchen of the wooden house and [...]

Easy Glen Adolphus is Victim of Weekend Fire
Another wooden structure which was home to Glenford Adolphus, better known as Easy Glen, was gutted by fire on Friday night. Just before eleven o’clock that night, firefighters were called [...]

Guatemalan President Stripped of Immunity
This afternoon, within days of elections on September sixth, Guatemala’s Congress lifted President Otto Perez Molina’s immunity of office. It means that Perez Molina can now be charged for a [...]

CTV3

18th Annual Belikin 8 Ball Tournament Takes Place In Corozal
The 18th annual Belikin 8-ball tournament took place in the Corozal District over the weekend at the Andres Campos Civic Center. The event featured teams from Punta Gorda, Cayo, Belmopan, Stann Creek, Belize, Orange walk and Corozal. At the end of the tournament Corozal took first place and Belize City second place. All in all the tournament was organized to promote the sport of Billiards and according to President of the Belize Billiards Association Isaias Lima, their aim was accomplished. “This is the eighteenth annual Belikin 8 Ball Tournament comprising from the districts of the entire country of Belize; we have PG, Stann Creek, Belmopan, Cayo, Orange Walk, Corozal have two representations being the host district they have two representations, we had a total of eight teams participating.”

Summer Break Is Over For Thousands Of Students Across The Country
And while going from long, lazy summer days back to the rigors of a classroom can be a bumpy road for your child, teachers and parents need to play a key role in that transition. Today we asked teachers for their advice on how to keep our children motivated and hungry for knowledge. “Even though we coming back from a long vacations we try to gear down into the lessons as the days goes by and we want to let the parents know that they are fully responsible for the children when they go home so they have all the rights to get into their bags, search for that homework and come to the school and talk to the teachers after classes and find out what the student has to do and what is there to be done for the course of the week or for the month probably and work with the children as best as they could don’t leave them one side and ask only if there is any homework and the child responds no and just leave it like that no get there and work with your child and what you want them is to perform better every day and in every level that they go.”

Solar Lights Installed At Nature Park, Orange Walk
The Nature Park in the Louisiana Area in Orange Walk Town has received a small upgrade thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Rotary Club of Orange Walk and the Town Council. The park now has two solar lights that were installed over the weekend. Councilor in charge of parks and playgrounds Ian Cal tells us more about the initiative. “Two solar lights, one was much needed and it was a test phase because we wanted to see what space it would cover, so they decided to start with two, what the council collaborated on was the man power and the structure itself that holds the light that came from the council and the poles and it was a project together with them so we sat there this Saturday did the installation and we also clean the area, we painted the play set but at the same time we were noticing that we need more light as well so they have committed to getting more lights donated and of course as a council we have to do the same thing this weekend so we will see more lights in that area and like I said it is a test phase it is something new in Orange Walk no parks has solar lights in Orange Walk so it is something new and it is something that we would like to see as a council and we welcome anyone who wants to partner as well to see how we can get those types of lights in other parts as well.”

BTV Goes Back To Sarstoon But Where Is The BDF
The Belize Territorial Volunteers were back on the water today as they headed off to the Sarstoon Island, led by Wil Maheia. Last week the group left after the Belize Defense Force who left an hour earlier than the usual time probably because they had gotten word that the BTV would be going on the trip. This week, Maheia says they planned things differently and set out a lot earlier than they did on previous trips. The objective was to verify if the BDF were indeed patrolling the area on Tuesday’s as announced by the Prime Minister and Commander of the BDF. According to Maheia, today there was no sign of the BDF in the area, even after they waited for hours to catch a glimpse of them.

PUP Demands Answers From Barrow Pertaining Settlement With Fortis
The opposition People’s United Party says they, as a responsible opposition, are glad that a settlement has been reached with Fortis as it relates to BEL but frown upon the government’s tactics. In a release issued today the party states, quote, “The utterly reckless, cynical and misguided policies of the present administration have added to the cause of our nation’s indebtedness and fiscal fragility by increasing debt, and refusing, until now to deal with the seizure of assets by major investors,” unquote. The PUP goes back to 2011 when government seized Fortis’ assets in BEL and when the Prime Minister had “harsh words” for the investor and BEL management at the time and now, as it did then, has employed “bullying tactics” to gain its objectives. The Prime Minister says the PUP is now forced to walk back his wrongful actions in 2011 when he quote, “using his parliamentary super-majority subverted the Constitution of Belize, bending its architecture in a violent and unnatural manner, in gross and indecent haste, in an ill-conceived, poorly structured move to undermine Fortis as an investor,” unquote.

San Esteban R.C. School Get rid Of Caterpillar Problem
And in an update to a story we ran before the summer break about an infestation of caterpillars morphed into white moths at the San Estevan Primary School, we are happy to report that the situation has been eradicated. Officials from the school told us that while the phenomenon seems seasonal, the last occurrence was one of the worse witnessed. We were also informed that two of the ten almond trees were cut down so in the event another occurrence befalls, it won’t directly affect the students’ classrooms. The new school year at this institution and the many others around Orange Walk Town started off without a hitch and we wish all students, teachers and school leaders an excellent and productive year.

LOVE FM

Prime Minister says Government has secured excellent terms in Fortis settlement
Today Prime Minister Dean Barrow announced that the Government of Belize has arrived at a settlement with Fortis Corporation over Belize Electricity Limited. In June 2011 the Government of Belize announced a decision to acquire the majority shares in BEL then held by Fortis of Canada as part of its policy that would ensure that the […]

Three weekend murders reported in Belmopan area.
Fem Cruz reporting… “Belmopan Police hands are full following this very bloody weekend. We start with the first murder on Friday night August 28, there sometime before 10pm the special patrol unit was called out to the Hyde’s residence in the Young Bank area of Camalote Village where upon arrival saw the lifeless body of […]

20-year-old shot and killed in Belize City
Belize City police are investigating the murder of 20 year old Malik Dixon. Dixon was shot on Saturday night as he was riding his bicycle on Flamboyant Street. According eye witnesses, before he took his last breath, Dixon saw his shooter. Hipolito Novelo reporting.. “At around 8:30 on Saturday night police responded to a 911 […]

Principal says she will fight efforts to fire her
Last week it was reported that principal of Faith Nazarene Primary School in San Ignacio, Policarpia Pech was facing difficulties after a petition was sent to the Teaching Services Commission to remove her as principal. According to some teachers, Pech has been mismanaging the school. Over the weekend Love News spoke with Pech who denied […]

Mechanic charged for forgery
28-year-old Glenford Logan, a mechanic has been charged with 18 counts of forgery, 18 counts of theft and 18 counts of claiming upon a forged document. 78-year-old John Oliver a retired Canadian national of Buttonwood Bay in Belize City reported that last week he received a phone call from a bank teller where he was […]

Belize City family left homeless following Friday night fire
A house belonging to Goldburne Adolphus better known as ‘Easy Glenn’ went up in flames on Friday night. Adolphus told Love News he came home from a function at around nine o’clock Friday night saw smoke coming from a door in his home. Adolphus said that when he tried to open the door, the fire […]

Governor General to speak at University lecture
Students from the University of Belize are being invited to be a part of the second annual Sylvanna Udz lecture series. Love News spoke with lecturer in the Faculty of Education and Arts, Ivory Kelly. Ivory Kelly – Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Arts “We are getting ready for our 2nd annual Silvana Udz Lecture […]

New Queen of the Bay selected
On Saturday night one of the most prestigious pageant took place at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts as the 70th Queen of the Bay was selected. The nine young ladies competed in four categories, introduction, talent, formal wear and question and answer. At the end of the competition, Fallon Cain representing the Stann […]

Road works continue in Orange Walk
Work has started for the paving of Guadalupe Street in Orange Walk Town. Mayor Kevin Bernard told us that being one of the main arteries of town, the council saw it necessary to give it proper attention. Mayor Kevin Bernard “I had said this before Fiestarama that whatever funding we could raise some portion of […]

Women’s group receives donation
Fruit drying production equipment and a building were handed over to a women’s group in the Toledo District. Paul Mahung reporting… The processing center and equipment were handed over on Friday afternoon to members of Toledo Women’s’ Food Security Company by TIDE Executive Celia Mahung. Celia Mahung – TIDE Executive Director “We handed over a […]

PlusTV

Government reaches settlement with Fortis over BEL
The Government of Belize has reached an agreement for settlement, subject to approval of the National Assembly this week, with Fortis Incorporated, who now concedes majority ownership in Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) to the Government. The Current Administration Nationalized BEL in June of 2011 a...

Rusell Hyde, the 8th Child gone
Earlier in our news cast we told you about the murder of 45 year old Russell Hyde Sr. whose death, many say, was imminent. Russell Hyde Sr, was the middle child of a family of 13 children; 8 of them already gone- most of them killed. But though the Hydes have been met with a lot of violence, it is n...

Amandala

PM Barrow’s wife’s police driver charged with murder!
The latest public embarrassment to hit the Belize Police Department is that a police corporal who is the driver of Prime Minister Dean Barrow’s wife, Kim Simplis-Barrow, the Special Envoy of Women and Children, has been charged for murder. Police issued a press release late this afternoon confirming that they have charged one of their own for a murder that occurred over the weekend in the Cayo District. Superintendent Sinquest Martinez, the lead investigator in the case, told us this morning that before the end of the day, police would formally lay a charge for the murder of the Nicaraguan man, Edwardo Manuel Perez Sanchez, 31, whose body was found on a feeder road about two miles from the junction of the George Price Highway and Young Gial Road, in Teakettle, Cayo District, on Saturday around 5:45 a.m.

Russell Hyde and girlfriend shot dead
The Hyde family of Belmopan and Camalote has been plagued by excruciating violence over the last few months, a violence that has taken the lives of many family members both at home and in the United States, and last Friday night, deadly violence visited the family once more, as another of its members was gunned down, along with his girlfriend. On Friday night, August 28, around 9:30 p.m. Russell Hyde, Sr., 45; his girlfriend Marcy Marie Humes, 27, and a man who has not yet been identified, were returning to Hyde’s home, located at Society Hall, Camalote, Cayo District, when they were pounced upon by three armed men, who opened fire, shooting Hyde and Humes multiple times. The unidentified man escaped unhurt and alerted police and family members to what had happened. So far, police have made no arrest in connection with the Camalote double murder. And the three other murders involving members of the Hyde family have also gone unsolved.

Falon Cain, new Queen of the Bay
September is the most celebrated month in Belize and the Queen of the Bay pageant has always been a central part of these celebrations. This year, Falon Cain, Miss Stann Creek, was selected as the new Queen of the Bay on Saturday, August 29, at the Bliss Institute in Belize City. The prizes she received include a scholarship from the Minister of Education, Patrick Faber; $1,000 from Prime Minister Dean Barrow; a laptop from Fultec, a Digicell package from BTL; a beauty treatment package from Mapye’s Beauty World; and a ring from Medina’s House of Jewelry. There were 9 beautiful young ladies who vied for the title of Queen of the Bay: Sherylee N. Dawson, Miss Caye Caulker; Courtney Celes Staine, Miss Belize City; Nicole Monique Hamilton, Miss Caribbean Sea; Shanya Gwenmaria Garnett, Miss Barrier Reef; Pricilla Alesandra Guerra, Miss Belizean Pride; Angelique Alexanderia Straker, Miss St. George’s Caye; Melissa Azucena Robinson, Miss Belmopan; Falon Tiana Cain, Miss Stann Creek; and Kiyarah Alissa Austin, Miss Black Orchid.

He kissed his grandmother 56 times, then was shot dead
The never-ending gun violence in the city continues, and at about 8:30 Saturday night, Malique Jair Dixon, 20, of Mahogany Street Extension, was shot multiple times by a gunman who approached him from a little side street linking Flamboyant Street to Casuarina Street, and who then escaped out of the area after the shooting. Dixon was riding his bicycle on Flamboyant Street, from Mahogany Street. He tried to escape from the murderous gunfire from his attacker, who was in front of him, and rode towards Vernon Street, but he collapsed after he was hit in the chest, and fell by a wooden bridge near a zinc fence. The injured Malique Dixon was rushed to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH), where doctors tried to save him, but he died shortly after.

GOB and Fortis reach agreement over BEL
Today at the Belize Biltmore Plaza, the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Dean Barrow, held a press conference at which he announced that the Government of Belize will pay to Fortis Inc. 35 million US dollars cash as compensation for the government’s acquisition of 70% of Fortis’ shareholding in Belize Electricity Limited. The Prime Minister further revealed that intermediate talks had been taking place for a while now, but only recently came to a head when Barry Perry became the president & CEO of Fortis. The Prime Minister met with Perry in his new capacity when he visited Belize in July 2015, which initiated what the Prime Minister described as “a whirlwind negotiating process”. The settlement the Prime Minister announced today was reached in little over a month. However, it does not end there; the Prime Minister added that the Government of Belize is giving back to Fortis 33 1/3% shareholding interests in BEL. The remaining 70% will be jointly held by the Social Security Board (SSB), which has 26.9% ownership, and the Government of Belize, which continues to own, with the inclusion of its SSB stakes, well in excess of the 51% mandated in the constitution and required for majority ownership and control.

Heads of Agreement
HL Deb 17 March 1981 vol 418 cc657-61. The United Kingdom and Guatemala, in order to settle the controversy between them over the territory of Belize, have reached agreement on the following points. 1. The United Kingdom and Guatemala shall recognise the independent State of Belize as an integral part of Central America, and respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with its existing and traditional frontiers subject, in the case of Guatemala, to the completion of the treaty or treaties necessary to give effect to these Heads of Agreement. 2. Guatemala shall be accorded such territorial seas as shall ensure permanent and unimpeded access to the high seas, together with rights over the seabed thereunder. 3. Guatemala shall have the use and enjoyment of the Ranguana and Sapodilla cays, and rights in those areas of the sea adjacent to the cays, as may be agreed. 4. Guatemala shall be entitled to free port facilities in Belize City and Punta Gorda. 5. The road from Belize City to the Guatemalan frontier shall be improved; a road from Punta Gorda to the Guatemalan frontier shall be completed. Guatemala shall have freedom of transit on these roads.

Two draws and a shocker
Except for a season opening 5-1 loss by BDF to the young Wagiya squad in Independence, all the games had been very close in this PLB Opening Season 2015-2016, which marks the start of the race to next year’s Champions League. BDF had some problems late in last season’s playoffs, where they had suffered 6-0 and 5-1 bombings from Verdes, so maybe they still had things to iron out. But they were quickly back to form with a 1-1 draw last week against the defending champions, Verdes; while former champions Belmopan Bandits had drawn 0-0 with arch rival Police United and stopped the upstart Wagiya, 2-1. Verdes had also been held to a 1-1 draw in their opening game against Placencia Assassins. So, as the competition got into full gear, nobody was expecting a lopsided score in Week 3, and least of all to the Bandits; but that is what happened yesterday in San Ignacio, where they were thrashed, 6-1, by Verdes. Going into Week 3, the trend continued with another close encounter on Saturday night in Independence, where the young Wagiya squad came from behind twice to secure a 2-2 draw against the visiting power house, Police United FC, at the Michael Ashcroft Stadium. Harrison “Cafu” Roches (41’ & 73’) put Police in front twice, but each time Wagiya came back to tie the score, first through Eugene Martinez (54’) and then it was a late strike from Erwin Middleton (83’) to knot things up for the 2-2 final score.

Larin highlights Canada WCQ roster
Canada head coach Benito Floro announced Thursday a 22-player squad for the third round of World Cup Qualifying for Russia 2018. The Canadians will face Belize in a two-match series, hosting the Central Americans on September 4 at BMO Field in Toronto, before the return leg four days later at FFB Stadium in Belmopan. “We need to maintain our concentration against Belize,” said Floro. “It is very important to score goals and continue our strong play at the back. We consider that this is a good team and we must treat them with respect because in eliminatory games like this there are no small teams.”

Editorial: Turned tables
After the Puerto Rico conference in 1962, a triangulation of resistance to Anglo-American plans for Belize slowly began to emerge, and that triangulation of resistance was fully evident by the time of the Thirteen Proposals in 1966. The triangulation involved domestic organization and protest led by Hon. Philip Goldson’s Opposition National Independence Party (NIP), but it perhaps starred the British Honduras Freedom Committee in New York City, led by Compton Fairweather. The least publicized, but perhaps the most important side of the triangle, because it was in the “belly of the beast,” involved London-based Belizeans and other Belizeans in the United Kingdom whose most powerful personality was Nadia Cattouse. Nadia was a singing, acting and show business star in London who knew many people who were powerful in British society and politics. She brought Belize’s case directly to them. It may well be that Nadia has not gotten the credit she deserves.

From the Publisher
Today I again would like to use this column to educate you about the real Guatemala, the enemy they have kept you ignorant about. The following is from a book on GUATEMALA published by the North American Congress on Latin America in 1974. Beginning in the 1830s, the Guatemalan government sought to attract Europeans and North American settlers. They were convinced that Guatemala would not progress without industrious workers of European extraction. None of the early efforts was successful. The Guatemalan climate and economy were not attractive to large numbers of potential settlers and a poor international credit rating discouraged foreign investment. With the development of coffee and banana production, however, foreign immigration and investment picked up.

A “Caribbean” excerpt from Michener by Romel Cuello …
Dear Editor, I took this piece from the book “Caribbean,” by James A. Michener, and just know that the Honduras he mentions is Belize and more or less this is how we came to be. Methinks this book should be included in our schools to make our students more aware of our relationship with the Caribbean Islands. Belize is not mentioned, but we read in novel form the history of the relationship between England and Spain which we and our problem with Guatemala is directly a product of, Just saying. — Both Will and Ned, and Mompox too, were disappointed when on their return to Tortuga, they found no plans under way for either an attack on a Spanish treasure galleon or a land assault on a city in Cuba or Campeachy, and they were appalled at what was proposed. McFee explained as best he could: “We’ve sold all the barbacoa we can, and there’s no money coming in from any raids. But those two big ships out there one English, one Dutch, have promised they’ll buy all the logwood we can cut…”

CPBL announces $1 million in profit
The Citrus Products of Belize Limited (CPBL) held an end-of-crop meeting with citrus growers on Saturday, August 29, on the CPBL grounds in Pomona. The chairman of CPBL, Doug Singh, presented on behalf of CPBL, the owners of which include Banks Holding Limited of Barbados, which owns 46.6% of its shares; Belize Citrus Growers Investment Limited, which owns 41%; the Social Security Board, which owns 10%; and several other shareholders who own 2.4% of the company. CPBL has subsidiaries that include Belize Food Products, which is the facility in Alta Vista; Citrus Company of Belize, which is the factory in Pomona; and also various agricultural entities that grow citrus, which include Barton Creek Farms, as well as investments in Hummingbird Citrus Limited. Singh, in reporting on the CPBL’s deliveries, noted that the year 2008 marked the company’s largest delivery in recent years, with a total of 7.1 million boxes being delivered in that year. The company saw a reduction in 2009, and further reductions in the following years until 2012, when there was a bumper crop, following which there have been further declines to the levels of production we have been experiencing over the last three years – production lower than 5 million boxes.

Breaking Belize News

PUP: BEL’s “real cost” must be told
The People’s United Party (PUP) says in a statement that the “real cost” of the acquisition of Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) should be told to the Belizean people. It reminded that to achieve that acquisition, he publicly spoke harshly of Fortis and BEL’s management to underline the crisis […]

Venezuela hits out at Colombia over cross-border crime issues
A statement from the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela accuses its neighbor Colombia of trying to displace attention from what it says is its failure to stop the “paramilitary” and other armed forces and criminal gangs from acting in Venezuela. The five-page statement questions Colombia’s ability […]

Fred hits Cape Verde but will weaken
Tropical Storm Fred is now over 330 miles northwest of the Republic of Cape Verde, moving away from the islands. Fred strengthened into a hurricane in the far eastern Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Africa early Monday morning, becoming the first hurricane since 1892 to hit the islands. […]

Canada vs Belize. Go Jaguars!
The Belize Jaguars left the country earlier today to participate in the third round of the World Cup Qualifiers which will be played in Canada. Game one of the series will be played on Friday, September 4 in Toronto, and the return match will be played on September 8 on […]

Youth train on leadership and Sexual Reproductive Health
This year’s GOJoven cohort underwent its second training late last month at the Trek Stop Jungle Lodge in Succotz Village, Cayo District, where they spent 8 days, from August 20 – 27, learning even more about youth leadership and Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH). The first training was held […]

City contractor to build Dangriga Sporting Complex
A $2.9 million contract was signed yesterday, August 31, by Salvador Habet of BCG Ltd, for the construction of Dangriga’s Sporting Complex. It has been announced that the design phase for the project has been completed and with the contract being awarded to the Belize City contactor yesterday, work is […]

Early departure for DHS Pitts?
Reports suggest that bad blood between Doctor Michael Pitts, Director of Health Services and C.E.O of that department, Dr. Peter Allen, resulted in Pitts’ belongings being removed from his office space long before the day he was set to retire. Pitts is the third in command at the Ministry of […]

Schoolboy’s stolen items recovered after robbery on Princess Margaret Drive
A 14 year old male student of Ladyville was robbed of an assortment of items, valued at a total of $1,750, while he was walking on Princess Margaret Drive on August 30th. The child and his father told police that around 3:30 p.m, he was approached by three male persons […]

Dangriga men charged over gun
Four persons: 23 year old Bernaldo Gorosica Jr., 74 year old Bernaldo Gorosica Sr., 19 year old Jeffrey Gomez, all residents of Dangriga, and 43 year old Harrison Garbutt, a fisherman of Sand Fly Caye, were arrested and charged by Dangriga Police on August 29, for the offenses of “Kept […]

Nature park gets solar lighting from Rotary and Orange Walk Town Council
As part of their 44th anniversary, The Rotary Club in Orange Walk has partnered with the Orange Walk Town Council for the development of Nature Park in the Louisiana Area of Orange Walk Town. On Sunday August 30, Rotarian and councilor holding the responsibility of Parks and Playgrounds […]

Global life expectancy rises, but not for Belize
A new study from the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington indicates that world life expectancy has gone up in most countries except a handful, including Belize. Life expectancy at birth for both sexes rose by 6.2 years, from 65.3 in 1990 to 71.5 in […]

Firearm recovered in drug search
An anti-drug operation conducted by police in Rhaburn Ridge Village, Belize District, yesterday, August 31, resulted not in the discovery of drugs, but in the finding of a 12 gauge shotgun instead. Between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 3:10 p.m., officers searched some bushes and found the firearm, which […]

Human remains found in Salvapan
A set of apparent human skeletal remains await analysis at the Western Regional Hospital morgue after the shocking discovery was made by a farmer of the Salvapan area in Belmopan. 48 year old Trinidad De Jesus Taltiqu, a Guatemalan farmer, led police to the remains around 4:20 p.m. on Sunday […]

Unoccupied house destroyed by fire
An unoccupied house in the Santa Cruz area of San Ignacio Town in the Cayo District, was damaged by fire yesterday, August 31 around 10:30 p.m. Police responded and found that the fire department had already extinguished the blaze. Investigation revealed that the fire started on the verandah and damaged […]

Female student ambushed and raped in Toledo
A female student of Indian Creek Village, Toledo District, reported to police that on Sunday, August 30th, around 4:30 p.m., she was walking in the village when four females attacked her and pushed her in the bushes where two male persons lay in wait. One of the male persons held […]

Police host community day in Yabra area
The Eastern Police Division South held a community family sports day yesterday, August 31st, at the Wilton Cumberbatch Field & Basketball Court in the Yabra area. More than 200 residents from the Yabra, Kraal Road, Faber’s Road, Ross Pen Road, Weight Street and Queen Charlotte communities went out to support […]

Rain relief breaks hot sun cycle
A weak tropical wave supporting a slight increase in moisture today. The National Meteorological Service of Belize predicts cloudy skies today and tonight with a few showers over most areas along with isolated thunderstorms. Winds will be blowing from the East at 10-20 knots and the sea state will be […]

Blogs

San Pedro Restaurant guide for picky eaters and food adventures
Some of the best restaurants in San Pedro Belize offer healthy options for people with special dietary needs. Casa Picasso is the big winner on gluten free dining in San Pedro. They have 14 items on their menu including some desserts. Blue Water Grill and Wild Mango’s also have a few gluten free options on their menus. They all have great drink selection too. If you really want to eat like the locals know this when seeking local food. Rice & beans, stewed chicken and salad is one of the main dishes of the country, and you won’t go wrong with practically any place that serves it. The list of “to try” in the breakfast section consists of meat pies, beans with eggs, cheese & flour tortillas, burritos, tacos and stuffed fry jacks. For Lunch try that rice & beans selection, or stewed beans and rice with any meat selection, varying from chicken, pork, fish, lobster, beef, shrimp or conch whether it’s stewed, baked, fried or grilled. For supper try the famous pupusas, tostadas, garnarches. Dinner menus also include BBQ (usually chicken or ribs), soups, and of course rice and beans falls under this category too – I mean you really can’t go wrong.

The Wonderland that is the Belize Zoo!
We haven’t been to a happier, healthier animal sanctuary, and the wildlife, from the stately jaguars to playful otters and monkeys, the majestic harpy eagle and easy-going tapir all seem comfortable in their surroundings, and the staff’s genuine love and commitment is obvious. Where else can you get so up close and personal to such a range of exotic animals? After spending countless hours at the Belize Zoo and watching it grow over the years, we’ve never grown tired of the experience, and watching the look on the faces of first time visitors is priceless. As an aside, the Belize Zoo was the first nature site in Belize to become wheelchair accessible and disability-friendly, showing that they extend the same care and compassion to guests as they do the their animal charges. We think that’s pretty cool and very commendable.

September Is HERE! The Key Events on the Island And In the Country…
It does seem a bit crazy that it is September already. School starting…eyes on the hurricane forecasts (knock on wood…all relatively good so far in the Atlantic) and SEPTEMBER CELEBRATIONS. Last week, The Belize Tourism Board printed the official schedule for the towns around Belize…places like Dangriga, Benque and Punta Gorda have events almost every day of the month. In San Pedro – one of the most vibrant towns in the country – we have this. The town is busting out the red, white and blue. Flag flying from carts and down Main Street, in the park… Let’s start with this weekend. In Belize City – the two night, Sir Barry Bowen Belikin Bash. 6pm to Midnight – free concert in Memorial Park.

Infographic—Your Social Security Payments Overseas
Did you know that you can receive your social security payments in almost every country in the world—and even have it directly deposited into your local bank account in over 65 of those countries? According to the latest figures from the U.S. Social Security Administration, U.S. retirees overseas received more than $3 billion in social security payments in 2013—an increase of $160 million since 2012. In total, 373,224 U.S. retirees received their social security payments as residents of a foreign country in 2013. Europe is home to the most U.S. retirees drawing their social security payments abroad (154,238), followed by Canada and Mexico (95,767), and Asia (70,586). You can have your social security payments direct deposited into your account in 69 countries, including Argentina, Belize, Colombia, Mexico, Malta, and Panama. The SSA will not send checks to North Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, or some areas of the former Soviet Union (other than Armenia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Russia).

International Sources

Beverley Sister Joy dies aged 91
Joy Beverley, one third of the vocal harmony group the Beverley Sisters, has died at the age of 91. The singer, from Bethnal Green in London, was the eldest sister in the trio, who were known for songs including Little Drummer Boy and the Irving Berlin standard Sisters. They had their own BBC TV show in the 1950s and were made MBEs in 2006. Joy was also married to Wolverhampton Wanderers' star Billy Wright until his death from cancer in 1994. She died on Monday after suffering a stroke last week her son, Vince Wright, told the Express and Star.

Canada v Belize: Hosts look to stay calm
Canada are trying to stay calm ahead of the first leg of their World Cup qualifier against Belize. Benito Floro's men welcome Belize to the BMO Field in Toronto on Friday before the return leg in Belmopan four days later. Canada reached the third round of qualifying thanks to a 6-0 thrashing of Dominica in their two-legged play-off. Belize have been involved from the outset, overcoming the Cayman Islands on the away goals rule before beating the Dominican Republic 5-1. Canada and Portland Timbers midfielder Will Johnson said he was trying his best to keep his team-mates calm days out from the qualifier. "It's the calm before the storm a little bit," Johnson was quoted as saying by the federation's website.

Fortis reaches deal on Belize Electricity
Fortis has settled with the Government of Belize over an expropriation in June 2011 of the company’s interest in Belize Electricity Ltd. (BEL) — the primary distributor of electricity in that country. Belize Electricity has over 77,000 customers and Canada’s largest publicly traded utility held a 70-per-cent ownership stake in the business at the time the government stepped in. The case hit the courts and has been under dispute ever since. In the settlement, Fortis will receive a one-time C$46.2-million (US$35-million) cash payment from the government of Belize. It will retain a common equity position in BEL of roughly 33 per cent. "We look forward to working with the government and BEL to provide efficient and reliable utility operations in Belize," says Barry Perry, president and chief executive officer of Fortis.

Conservation Documentary Features UNCW Professor Jamie Rotenberg
“Wings of Hope,” which features UNCW environmental studies professor Jamie Rotenberg and para-biologists with the Belize Foundation and Research and Environmental Education (BFREE), highlights a field training program that equips locals with skills to become avian field technicians. As a result of the training led by Rotenberg, the Belizean technicians became conservation ambassadors in their communities. The 20-minute documentary was released in August. “They were able to speak to their own people about the importance and merits of the protected areas and the wildlife that lived there,” Rotenberg said. “It is one thing for someone like myself to come to a small, Belizean village and talk about biodiversity and conservation, but it is yet another level completely to have someone from their own community relate this information to them. I can’t say enough how much this has made a difference in the local communities.” Harpy Eagles were determined to be extinct in Belize in 2000 because of habitat loss. In an effort to establish a new population, a reintroduction project involving eagles from Panama was started. Rotenberg and BFREE researchers rediscovered a naturally occurring juvenile Harpy Eagle in 2005 and began monitoring for a wild population, which subsequently was a pair of breeding adults. They discovered an active nest five years later in the Bladen Nature Reserve in the Maya Mountains in Belize.

Central America: How a Drought Affects Migration
Central America and the Caribbean are in the midst of a drought that is impacting Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Hispaniola and Cuba. Agricultural output has been hit hard, complicated by the fact that the region is still recovering from a recent outbreak of coffee rust. Ongoing El Nino weather patterns, which are forecast to be particularly strong, will only make the situation worse. As the short-term water stress continues, more small farmers will lose their livelihoods — a humanitarian crisis that could drive migrants northward into Mexico and the United States. The world is gearing up to deal with El Nino, long anticipated but only recently confirmed. Prolonged drought is already gripping Central America and the Caribbean. While El Nino could bring heavy rains to the Caribbean coast, El Nino years are usually associated with dry conditions across much of this territory. Central America and the Caribbean are no strangers to drought, both in modernity and at significant points throughout history. From 1997 to 1998, the last major El Nino brought dry conditions resulting in a series of fires that raged out of control. The smoke impacted air quality as far away as Oklahoma. Drought in 2001, which followed other disasters and economic troubles, led to local shortages of basic cereals and vegetables. The most significant drought to date, however, occurred over 1,000 years ago and likely precipitated the collapse of the Mayan civilization, whose nearly 20 million people inhabited modern-day Guatemala, Belize and parts of Mexico, Honduras and El Salvador. Archaeological evidence and environmental data points to prolonged dry periods coupled with deforestation as the Mayan civilization declined.

Students learn global lessons on service-learning trip
Students from the township’s Wardlaw-Hartridge (W-H) School spent part of their summer vacation embracing a new culture, language and way of life during a two-week service-learning trip to Guatemala and Belize in July. “These trips very much reflect our mission of global learning,” said Head of School Andrew Webster, who accompanied 16 students on the school’s first service-learning trip to Peru in 2012. The 11 students, who journeyed to Guatemala and Belize, ranged from rising freshmen to recently graduated seniors. “This trip inspired and motivated me to be open minded, explore the world, and make an effort to meet new people,” Sanjana Nalla of Edison said. “Servicelearning trips are an important part of the W-H experience because they teach you about individuality and how to open your mind.”

Francis Ford Coppola wants you to come on his family vacation
It could be anytime between noon and four, and my stomach grumbles. I pad barefoot down the cool marble stairs and pop into the kitchen at the Palazzo Margherita, in southern Italy. I raid plates of cheese, smear hunks of bread in jam, ask for sweets and leftover tangerine juice, even though dinner’s fresh pastas and sauces are well under way. This deliciously languid, come-as-you-are ease is rarely the province of a five-star European hotel, especially one with a celebrity pedigree. But this hotel is owned by Francis Ford Coppola, Hollywood’s most legendary family man, and he wants you to make yourself comfortable here in his ancestral home of Bernalda, smack in the middle of boot-heeled Italy’s arch. Coppola never meant to be a hotelier. He just liked taking his family on vacation. After falling in love with the jungle while filming “Apocalypse Now” in the Philippines, he decided to get a little piece of it closer to the United States. In the early 1980s, Coppola picked up a run-down lodge in the mountainous rainforest of newly independent Belize and outfitted it with four-wheel drives, good beds, and, perhaps apocryphally, the country’s first pizza oven and espresso machine to entertain his brood in style.

Local dentist travels the world to spread smiles
In October, Sammamish dentist John Rossi and his wife Carolyn Rossi will make their eighth trip overseas to help young children in developing countries receive perhaps the first dental care they’ve ever received. Both tell stories about their trips and have nothing but good things to say about the people they’ve met and trip organizers International Health Emissaries. On Oct. 18, the couple leaves for Belize in South America, heading for the Armenia Village in the foothills of the Maya Mountains. Before then, they are collecting numerous items: shoes up to size 5; small stuffed animals such as Beanie Babies; small dolls such as Barbies; and small backpacks and educational supplies, such as crayons.

Toward Realizing the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
"The 13th of September 2007," declared Victoria Tauli-Corpuz, Chair of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, "will be remembered as a day when the United Nations and its Member States, together with Indigenous Peoples, reconciled with past painful histories and decided to march into the future on the path of human rights." Adopted by the General Assembly on this day after over two decades of work and negotiations, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People has received widespread support in Canada and internationally. In 2007, an overwhelming majority of 144 UN Member States voted in favor of the adoption, even though four were against and eleven abstained. "The Declaration," according to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, "is a visionary step towards addressing the human rights of Indigenous peoples." The Declaration may be applied in domestic courts as an instrument to guide the interpretation of legislation and constitutions. For instance, during the case of Cal and Coy v. Attorney General of Belize, the Supreme Court of Belize referred to the Declaration in maintaining the constitutional rights of the Maya people to territories and resources. Similarly, in Bolivia the Declaration was adopted at the national level in 2007, and then included in the new constitution in 2009.

Lubbock chocolate maker a hit at Downtown Farmers Market
Lubbock isn’t generally known for its chocolate. Josh Parker is hoping to change that. After years of working in various commercial kitchens, Parker decided it was time to strike out on his own. He thought about opening a restaurant or a bakery, but then thought back to a time when he helped a colleague make chocolates. He did a little exploring and found his niche. Parker is happy with the results, though he’s far from settled with how things are going. His five-year plan includes opening a factory in Belize, so production can be as close to the farmers as possible, opening up a brick-and-mortar shop in Lubbock and becoming completely solar-powered. He wants to expand his offerings to include truffles, caramels and other chocolates.

Giving voice to untold stories
It’s no secret that much of history is written by and about men. This is especially true for the Mennonites of Mexico and Belize. Dr. Doreen Helen Klassen, a professor of social/cultural studies at Grenfell Campus, hopes her research will give voice to a group of women who are rarely, if ever, represented in scholarly literature. Klassen’s mother tongue is Low German, the dialect spoken along the northern coast of Germany and in many anti-modern Mennonite communities. In the mid-1990s she had the opportunity to travel to Mexico to interview Mennonites who had immigrated there from Manitoba and Saskatchewan in the early 1920s. In response to the Manitoba Schools Act, the community had negotiated rights to educate their children in Low German, using their own textbooks and their own teachers. By moving, their culture would be further protected. Klassen wanted to learn more about the people she had met, so in 2010 she returned to Mexico conduct more research. She added Belize to her itinerary after some of Grenfell’s international students reminded her that there were also Mennonite communities in that Central American country.

Videos

Traffic like this on all streets of down town San Pedro during 8am school rush hour. Wow!!, 10sec. Today was particular as new kidos were headed in for their first day. So there were both parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, going in to catch a glimpse of their babies going in to "Big school"

Belize National Team travels to Canada, 1min. It's the first day of September and we all know what that means - it's celebration time in BELIZE! And what better way to kick off than cheering on our Belize National Team as they travel to Canada for round 3 of competition as they battle for a spot in the 2018 Fifa World Cup Russia. Join us in sending your well wishes for their success! Good luck Jaguars! We know your CONFIDENCE, COMPETITIVENESS and COMMITMENT will bring us yet another win!

Ambergris Caye Belize Business Opportunity, 1min.

Snorkeling @ Caye Caulker Belize, 7min. Snorkeling with sharks, turtles, rays and manatees around Caye Caulker, Belize

"Welcome to Placencia" by Poet Bob of Placencia, Belize, 1min. The Poem that started it all..."Welcome to Placencia!" Any tourist that crosses Bob's path will be introduced to Placencia through this poem. Rich and dynamic, Bob's performance makes any tourist stop and listen. This poem reflects not only the beauty of his home town, but of what beautiful Belize has to offer!

Belize City, Belize, 2min. Downtown.

Belize Xunanatunich, 14min.

Belize Bank Home Mortgage Ad, 1/2min.

Belize City Bakin', 6min. Chris Bottomley

Miss San Pedro Pageant 2015, 6min. Cheers when out to all six contestants who were vying for the title of the prestigious Miss San Pedro Crown in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize on Saturday, August 29, 2015. In the end, five judges selected 19-year-old Iris Salguero (Miss Captain Sharks) as the island’s newest beauty ambassador.

Defensie | Mariniers | Shorts 5 Belize, 9min.

Belize Jungle, Black Orchid Resort, 9min. Belize jungle Resort is the perfect destination to enjoy living in the lap of the jungle and the sea even without shuffling around from resort to resort.

beneath belize 2015, 5min. This was some underwater footage of our trip to Key Caulker Belize C.A. A special thanks to EZ Boy tours for making this happen!

SANCAS Realty Launch Party News Coverage from Ambergris Caye, Belize, 3min. Watch the Channel 7 Belize news coverage of the SANCAS Realty - Christie's International Real Estate launch event at Rain Restaurant and Rooftop Terrace in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize on Thursday, August 20, 2015.

Another morning in Belize, 2min.

6th Day in Belize Unforgettable Dive, Whale Shark, 5min.

6th Day in Belize Unforgettable Dive, Dolphins Are Back, 1min.

6th Day in Belize Unforgettable Dive, Moar Turtles, 1min.

Fishing tarpon and permit in Placencia Belize XXL Adventure AS, 1min.

Backpacking Central America EP6 - Belize: Caye Caulker, 5min. Fresh from Cuba we hit Belize and go straight to Caye Caulker, a chilled out limestone island in the Caribbean Sea.

September 1, 2015